Post-Doctoral Fellow-Surface Processes

Position Title
Post-Doctoral Fellow - Surface Processes
The Opportunity
The Surface Processes Research Group is focused on characterizing and modeling processes that govern Earth surface systems. The postdoc will join an NSF-funded project examining the impacts of climate-driven shifts in wildfire frequency on hillslope sediment transport processes and long term erosion rates. The project will use a combination of short-lived radionuclide analysis, high-resolution topographic data and physical measurements to calibrate probabilistic estimates of postfire erosion and particle motion under changing surface conditions associated with wildfire and post-fire recovery. Candidates should have expertise in hillslope sediment transport processes and familiarity with short-lived radionuclide exposure dating techniques for soils. Primary responsibilities will be to 1) conduct and publish independent research related to sediment transport mechanics and novel radionuclide methods, and 2) assist in managing a research group of undergraduate and graduate students. Funding is available for 1 year with possible extension. Candidates should have completed their PhD before starting. The position start date is targeted for July 15, 2023 however this date is negotiable.
Responsibilities

• Lead independent research activities in collaboration with faculty advisor
• Lead a ~1 week field campaign in California during Spring, 2024 to collect soil samples, perform field experiments and conduct outreach activities with K12 students
• Meet weekly or as needed with faculty advisor
• Participate in a weekly research group meeting
• Manage a team of undergraduate students conducting soil sample preparation and analysis
• Meet as needed with graduate and undergraduate students in the research group to provide guidance on research and professional development
• Submit research paper(s) to high-quality peer reviewed journals
• Revise and resubmit other papers as needed
• Conduct preliminary reviews of student research products, such as abstracts, posters, proposals, defense presentations, theses, and technical papers
• Assist graduate students in submitting their work for publication, as appropriate
• Present findings at conferences
• Support proposal writing

Minimum Qualifications
• PhD in Earth science, geoscience, or related field
• Expertise in hillslope sediment transport processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with soil sample preparation and radionuclide analysis (Cs-137, Pb-210, Be-7, etc.)
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Quantitative/analytical skills
• Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students

About Mines & Golden, CO
Mines is consistently ranked among the top engineering colleges in the United States and ranks number one as the best public school in the state for best value colleges. Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver. The campus location offers a small-town ambiance with close proximity to all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues. An arid climate and an average 300 days of sunshine per year make the area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience. To learn more about The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering visit https://geology.mines.edu/
Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veterans status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Pay Range

$68,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Total Rewards
Mines is proud to provide exceptional benefits that include pay, health & wellness and work/life balance offerings. Our portfolio of benefits includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. Additionally, Mines employees are eligible for tuition benefits (for employees and dependents), generous paid holidays and leaves and discount programs. Additionally, Mines’ leadership and innovation brings proximity and access to several research centers, consortia, agencies, labs and bleeding edge technology. For more information, visit Mines benefits .
How to Apply
Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veterans status) and submit the following:

• CV
• Cover letter outlining your relevant research interests, experience and skills, and how these align with the position.
• Contact information for 3 professional references (name, title, professional relationship, email address).

For questions or further information about the position, contact Prof. Danica Roth at droth@mines.edu .

Background Investigation Required
Yes

Advertised: May 15, 2023 Mountain Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 30, 2023 11:55 PM Mountain Daylight Time