Research Asst Professor - Snow, Ice, & Permafrost

Research Asst Professor - Snow, Ice, & Permafrost

  • 530307
  • Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
  • Faculty Full-time
  • On Campus
  • UNAC Grade 30
  • UAF Geophysical Institute

The Geophysical Institute Snow, Ice, & Permafrost Group at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is seeking a new faculty member to join the Snow Group at a world-leading institution for polar and snow research.

At the University of Alaska there is a broad research enterprise spread across several institutes that provides many opportunities for cutting edge research along with collaboration with polar researchers including researchers in glaciology, hydrology, and atmospheric research. The position includes a generous start-up package.

The hire will be at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, depending on experience. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate a strong research record and prospects for future funding and research success that complements the existing expertise in the Snow Ice and Permafrost Group at UAF.

The Snow Group at UAF’s Geophysical Institute carries out a wide range of research related to snow in the Earth system, including multidisciplinary collaborations. The successful candidate will be an active member of this team and is expected to pursue a vigorous, externally funded research program that expands the snow research capabilities of the University, and may incorporate field observations, remote sensing, theoretical and model-based methods, and crossing boundaries to other disciplines.

The primary responsibility is to strengthen UAF’s capacity in snow research at an internationally competitive level. Responsibilities may include recruiting and mentoring graduate students and postdocs, and may involve the teaching of graduate and undergraduate classes. An ability to collaborate across various disciplines, both within the University and within the broader community, are highly valued.

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.

To thrive in this role the successful applicant will demonstrate a strong research record and prospects for future funding and research success that complements the existing expertise in the Snow Ice and Permafrost Group at UAF.

Minimum Qualifications:

A PhD in Physics, Geophysics, Snow Sciences, or equivalent discipline? (must be conferred at time of application evaluation). Experience in snow research.

Position Details:

This position will be physically located at the UAF campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. While there may be a current opportunity for remote work, the successful finalist will be expected to report to duty at the UAF office no later than 180 days from written notice provided by the university.

This position is full-time, term-funded, exempt, 9-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA 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. 

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

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified.

Review of application materials will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

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.


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.


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.


The University of Alaska reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at University of Alaska facilities. Remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the discretion of the University. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or where required by the job duties of the position.


*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.

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