Post Doctoral Fellow

The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks invites applications for a postdoctoral associate in snow hydrology for a project aimed at constraining uncertainty in temporal and spatial variability of snow water equivalent in a cold and dry continental climate. The project is in collaboration with the University of Alaska Southeast and the University of Maine, who will lead the geophysical portions of the project. By quantifying snow water equivalent with snow pits, surface elevation, and ground-penetrating radar surveys in interior Alaska conditions, with the goal of better constraining snowpack models. The postdoc is expected to take a lead role in the snowpack modeling and assist with field surveys conducted in the Alaska Range.

This position is intended for a snow hydrologist to work on a large collaborative project that seeks to quantify the seasonal evolution of snowpacks across several climate zones in collaboration with researchers from the University of Alaska Southeast and the University of Maine. The work will focus on a field site in the Alaska Range in relatively cold and dry mountain conditions. The researcher will be part of the Snow Ice Permafrost group at the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Funding, from the US Army’s Engineering Research and Development Center, is for one year with the possibility of an extension for one year. Applicants must have (i) a PhD in snow science, hydrology, or a related field, (ii) a peer-reviewed publication record that is commensurate with experience, (iii) excellent communication skills, (iv) experience programming, and (v) experience with field data acquisition and/or analysis.

We welcome applicants from a diversity of backgrounds.

The Geophysical Institute is a research-driven organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers an attractive work environment and strong benefits including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute is committed to equity, inclusion, and accountability and values the open sharing of different perspectives. We support a respectful and welcoming environment and a commitment to serving Alaska and Alaskans with strong applied science. Career growth and professional development are expected and encouraged.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourages women, minorities, members from marginalized communities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

One year, term-funded appointment. Should additional funding be obtained, the position may be extended for up to 2 years.

To thrive in this role the successful applicant will have a demonstrated ability to plan and carry out fieldwork in harsh winter conditions, analyze and assemble field data and combine those with remote sensing products, and work collaboratively with a larger research team.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Geophysics, or a related science field at the time of appointment. A valid driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria is required.

Position Details:

This position will be physically located at the UAF campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. The successful finalist will be expected to report to duty at the UAF office on the first day of employment.

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references with your application.

Review of applicants will begin immediately, to ensure full consideration you must apply by 10/31/2024.

This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC). http://www.unitedacademics.net/

This position is term-funded and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you need assistance applying to this posting, please contact GI - Office of Human Resources at 907-474-7357 or at uaf-gi-hr@alaska.edu. 

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.