Postdoctoral Associate (LLO)

About the Job

This is a postdoctoral position, on a USGS-funded project, that will focus on observing turbulence and sediment resuspension at fish spawning reefs during winter in Lake Erie. The ultimate aim of the project is to understand how the presence or lack of ice affects fish embryo survival in the Great Lakes. The initial position is funded through 7/31/2026, but might be extended by further external grants.

Job Duties
The postdoc will assist with the fall deployment and spring recovery of three moorings in Lake Erie over one or two winters. They will be responsible for processing observations of temperature, velocity, acoustic backscatter, surface waves, and velocity microstructure (turbulence) data. Mooring data will also be combined with available remote sensing and regional modeling products to connect local and regional conditions.

The postdoc will work within a multi-institutional, interdisciplinary research team of university faculty, fisheries scientists, and graduate students. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to present results at conferences and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, including serving as lead author on manuscripts.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in a field involving fluid dynamics, such as oceanography, physical limnology, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, applied math, or similar.
• Demonstrated record of research productivity, as evidenced by scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis and plotting.
• Ability to participate in limnological fieldwork.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with turbulence and/or sediment resuspension
• Familiarity with model and/or remote sensing data
• Strong scientific computing skills
• Experience with limnological or oceanographic fieldwork
• Successful grant writing experience

About the Department

The Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) is located on the Duluth Campus of the University of Minnesota and is part of the Swenson College of Science and Engineering. The LLO is the only institute in the country dedicated to the study of large lakes throughout the world. We focus on the global implications of our investigations in the areas of aquatic chemistry, circulation dynamics, geochemistry, acoustic remote sensing, plankton dynamics, sedimentology and paleoclimatology.

Pay and Benefits



Pay Range: $58,656 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).