Postdoctoral Research Associate, Geosciences

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mountain System Hydrogeology

Department of Geosciences, College of Humanities and Sciences

The Department of Geosciences at the University of Montana seeks applicants for a 12-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position renewable for multiple years. The research associate will work directly with Associate Professor of Geosciences, Payton Gardner (Hydrology), on a DOE-funded research project titled “ Mountain Aquifer Hydrology .” This research will focus on the hydrogeology and geochemical function of bedrock aquifer systems in mountain watersheds. The study will involve a combination of fieldwork, data analysis, and modeling to investigate three hydrologically distinct mountain watersheds in the western USA: two in Montana and one in Colorado. Fieldwork will involve the sampling and analysis of isotopic tracers of groundwater and stream water and stream gauging. Tracer interpretation will be done through a variety of methods including watershed hydrobiogeochemical modeling. Hydrologic modeling will involve modeling watershed scale storage and release using high-resolution, distributed, integrated hydrologic models.

The Research Associate will take a leading role in at least one of the major components of the project: fieldwork, data analysis, and modeling. In addition, the Research Associate will have opportunities to engage in professional development activities, formal presentations, mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project, and close collaborations with project partners at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. The Research Associate will be expected to maintain high standards of scientific ethics and to take the lead on the development of at least one scientific publication.

Underrepresented candidates, including members of the northern and central Rockies tribal communities, are particularly encouraged to apply.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• The salary for this postdoctoral research associate is $50,000/year plus health insurance.
• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment, and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Required Education and Skills

• PhD in Geosciences, Geophysics, Hydrology or similarly aligned fields. Applicants with multidisciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas in written and oral/visual forms.
• Willingness to learn in a fast-paced and self-directed environment.
• Evidence of publishing in academic journals.
• Strong theoretical foundations in quantitative Earth system science, including but not limited to geophysics, geochemistry, hydrology, and/or atmospheric sciences.
• Proficiency with quantitative computational techniques.
• Proficiency with scripting languages such as Python, MatLab, R, Bash, etc.
• Familiarity with Linux computing platforms.
• Ability to travel safely in remote field locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Environmental Tracer sampling including:
  • dissolved gas tracers,
  • tritium
  • major and minor elemental chemistry
  • stable isotopoes of water.
• Familiarity with integrated watershed hydrologic modeling.
• Familiarity with model calibration and uncertainty quantification.
• Familiarity with engines and mechanical devices.
• Familiarity with electronics and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with backcountry and wilderness travel in mountainous environments.
• Familiarity with snow and avalanche safety.

About UM and Geosciences

The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

Geosciences uses scientific methods to study the physical processes that shape our planet and sustain humanity. We have two areas of special focus: water and earth. In both areas, we analyze cycles of energy and of earth materials such as water, minerals, sediments and rocks. These cycles impact the global distribution of water, energy resources, soils, natural hazards, and nutrients.

To learn more about the University of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • University Highlights

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 b y 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Applications received by 05/15//2023 will be guaranteed consideration. Application review will begin after date above and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below.

*Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

• Letter of Interest addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references
• Writing sample in English - preferably a published, peer-reviewed journal article
• Transcripts – Official transcripts due upon hire
• Statement of Research

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular