Post Doctoral Fellow - Permafrost

The Permafrost Laboratory at the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, seeks a postdoctoral researcher to work on various projects that improve our ability to understand and model permafrost response to climate and disturbances. The successful applicant will utilize and modify, e.g., the Geophysical Institute Permafrost Model (GIPL) to improve predictions of the rate and magnitude of permafrost degradation and associated subsidence and land loss for several regions across Alaska. The work will involve a range of modeling conditions, including the built and natural environment inland and along the coast. The study regions to be modeled include the North Slope and Interior of Alaska and the Yukon Territories of Canada. There may also be potential for coupling the permafrost model with a coastal erosion model to better understand future rates of permafrost-affected coastal change. The successful candidate will also lead the development of several infrastructure hazard maps under the effects of permafrost degradation and coastal erosion.

In this position, you will:

• Develop and parameterize 1-D and 2-D models of the temperature dynamics in the active layer and near-surface permafrost.

• Participate in remote field trips for the collection of data relevant to the model parameterization. 

• Evaluate and verify developed models against collected in-situ data. 

• Develop and address your own scientific hypotheses and questions within the bounds of the projects. 

• Participate in the proposal writing.

• Lead and co-lead publications of peer-reviewed manuscripts on permafrost modeling and related topics.

There will also be potential to participate in several other ongoing research projects and associated fieldwork with a focus on understanding permafrost response to climate and disturbances. 

Please contact Dmitry Nicolsky (djnicolsky@alaska.edu) or Louise Farquharson (lmfarquharson@alaska.edu) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute Permafrost Laboratory

- Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, engineering, geophysics, or related field. Some experience with geocryological processes is beneficial.

- Excellent computational skills and working knowledge of MATLAB, FORTRAN, or at least some other programming language (e.g. Python, JavaScript);

- Experience with Linux and parallel computations is a strong asset.

- Some knowledge of ArcGIS, common formats, georeferencing, and mapping toolboxes is desired.

- Understanding calculus, linear algebra, statistics, numerical analysis, differential equations, finite differences, or finite element methods is advantageous.

- Good working knowledge of the written and oral English language.

-Ability to work closely with a team and independently as needed.

- Ph.D. (already received or have completed all requirements and awaiting graduation) in physics, mathematics, engineering, geophysics, or related field completed.

This is a term-funded, full-time, represented Post Doctoral Fellow position complete with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. 

Please submit your application, including (1) a one-page statement of academic and research goals, (2) a CV with a list of publications, and (3) unofficial B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. transcripts with a list of math and physics courses. Selected candidates will be invited to present their research and participate in an online interview.

The review process for applications will begin on 11/6/2023 and will be ongoing until the position is filled.

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 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 AA/EO employer and educational institution 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 get in touch with the GI - Office of Human Resources at 907-474-7357 or at uaf-gi-hr@alaska.edu.