Post Doctoral Researcher of Computer Science

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering to advance the development of AK Patterns, an innovative AI-enabled platform designed to support critical mineral exploration and data-driven decision-making in Alaska. Working closely with faculty, this position will contribute to the NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska through applied, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and geoscience. This offers an exciting opportunity to develop innovative AI-driven solutions addressing Alaska’s critical mineral research and exploration challenges while contributing to a growing regional innovation ecosystem. Join our research team and help shape the future of AI-powered critical mineral exploration in Alaska! To learn more about the NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska, please visit https://acma-engine.alaska.edu/. Apply today to be part of this exciting research initiative at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

As the Postdoctoral Researcher, you will integrate public and industry geochemical and geological datasets, develop interactive mapping and analytical tools, and build AI/ML models to identify multielement signatures and generate mineral prospectivity layers. Your responsibilities will include harmonizing datasets, developing geospatial features, conducting spatially informed model validation, assessing uncertainty, and producing interpretable predictions. You will also develop retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) tools that connect datasets with reports and maps, enabling natural-language queries and evidence-grounded interpretation. You will collaborate with the U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, mining companies, and Alaska Native corporations to inform prototype development, evaluation, and adoption.

To thrive in this role, a successful candidate will bring an interdisciplinary background and experience spanning at least two of the following areas: computational geoscience, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), geospatial analysis, and AI engineering. They will have strong programming, quantitative problem-solving, and data integration skills, with the ability to develop and apply computational methods to complex geoscientific challenges. Equally important is the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, communicate technical concepts effectively, and critically evaluate and adopt emerging technologies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for translating innovative AI/ML approaches into practical exploration tools, while contributing to collaborative research and high-quality scientific publications.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in a related field to Computational Geoscience, Computer Science, or Geoinformatics.

Position Details:

The anticipated start date for the Post Doctoral Researcher is January of 2027. This position is located on the UAA Campus in Anchorage, Alaska. This is a term-funded, full-time 9-month base (+3 month extension) Post Doctoral position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. Post Doctoral salaries are commensurate with education and experience.

We review applications on a rolling basis. Because we may close the posting once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is established, we encourage early submission. Please note that once a viable pool is identified, further applications may not be reviewed. 

Please attach a CV, Cover Letter, statement of research and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references with your application.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Jordan Jenckes at jjenckes@alaska.edu.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

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This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC). https://unitedacademicsak.org/

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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 the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

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.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*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/compliance/clery-act/annual-security-reports.html. 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.orca@alaska.edu.