Postdoctoral Research Associates in Surface Loading Geodesy Department of Geosciences College of Humanities and Sciences

Profile

The
Department of Geosciences
at the
University of Montana
seeks applicants for up to two
Postdoctoral Research Associates
in topics related to Earth deformation by surface loading (oceans, continental water, atmosphere). The contracts will be for one year initially and renewable for up to three years, contingent on satisfactory progress and availability of funds.
The successful candidate(s) will contribute to NASA- and NSF-funded research into the interactions between the solid Earth and its fluid envelopes. Research topics include hydrogeodesy (e.g., seasonal water storage and interannual drought in the western US; watershed dynamics) and using GNSS measurements of ocean tidal loading to infer Earth structure. Depending on the expertise and interests of the successful candidate(s) as well as the needs of the projects, research associates may work on one or multiple projects.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which observe subtle changes in the shape of the Earth caused by the weight of Earth’s hydrosphere and atmosphere, are transforming the ways in which we can study Earth’s water cycle and probe Earth structure. For hydrogeodesy, we aim to develop new hydrologic models at the intermediate watershed scale, create enhanced operational tools for water-resource management, and develop a prototype hydrologic early-warning system that can alert downstream communities to flood risk or flash droughts. For probing solid-Earth structure, we aim to place new constraints on allowable models for the density structure and mechanical behavior of Earth’s crust and mantle using oceanic load tides.
Research associates will take leading roles in one or more of the major components of the projects: software development, modeling, data analysis, and/or fieldwork. Research associates will be expected to maintain high standards of scientific ethics and to lead the development of at least one scientific publication per year. Software development and modeling activities will involve forward and inverse modeling of Earth deformation by surface loads. Data analysis will primarily involve the processing, analysis, and interpretation of kinematic and static GNSS time series, as well as statistical comparisons with other relevant datasets (e.g., hydrological and meteorological data). Fieldwork will involve the deployment and maintenance of GNSS, hydrologic, and meteorological sensors in watersheds in Idaho, Montana, and California.
We value multidisciplinary and team-based approaches to science and professional development. Depending on their interests and professional goals, research associates will have opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students, develop and co-teach formal courses, attend professional-development workshops, participate in grant writing and peer reviewing, give presentations at national and international conferences, and collaborate with internal and external researchers.
Underrepresented candidates, including members of the northern Rockies and Sierra tribal communities, are particularly encouraged to apply.
Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Hilary Martens ( ****
UM is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action
: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
Position Details
Salary for the Postdoctoral Research Associate is $50,000/year commensurate with experience
Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment, and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
Required Education and Skills
PhD in Geosciences, Geophysics, Hydrology, Computer Science, or similarly aligned fields. Applicants with multidisciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas in written, oral, and visual forms
Willingness to learn in a fast-paced and self-directed environment
Evidence of publishing in academic journals
Proficiency with quantitative computational techniques
Proficiency with scripting languages such as Python, Matlab, R, Bash, etc.
Familiarity with Linux computing platforms
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with software development.
Experience with numerical modeling techniques (e.g., finite element modeling).
Knowledge of and experience with inverse theory.
Familiarity with GNSS data processing and analysis.
Familiarity with modeling elastic deformation of the Earth due to surface loading.
Familiarity with backcountry and wilderness travel in mountainous environments.
Strong theoretical foundations in quantitative Earth system science, including but not limited to geodesy, hydrology, and/or atmospheric sciences.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References
*References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing
Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility.
All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

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