Postdoctoral Researcher

We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position to study landslide-glaciology-hydrology based geohazards in High Mountain Asia. This region encompasses one of the world’s greatest watersheds, but it is also a highly active tectonic zone where big and fatal landslides triggered by earthquakes or monsoon rains often block rivers and cause downstream outburst flooding. Additionally, these rivers receive meltwater from the glaciers, which are retreating rapidly and producing abundant meltwater and creating large proglacial and supraglacial lakes. The lakes are commonly bounded by steep topography and unstable ice-cored moraine. Lake containment failures can lead to the sudden discharge of huge volumes of water and debris, which could severely impact downstream infrastructure and cause long-term secondary environmental degradation. A successful candidate is expected to study and model the dynamics of these high mountain hazards.

Contact Dr. Umesh Haritashya; uharitashya1@udayton.edu

Apply online: http://employment.udayton.edu/cw/en-us/job/496913/postdoctoral-researcher

The appointment will be for 1 year, with continuation pending funding and progress. The position is eligible for benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Earth or environmental sciences (e.g., geology, geography, geosciences, glaciology) with strong technical skills, particularly in the programming, hydro-glaciological modeling, and DEM/remote sensing data analysis (e.g., Keyhole, Corona, ASTER, Landsat, Sentinel, Planet, etc.).

• Candidate must have experience using GIS (e.g., ArcGIS) and remote sensing software (Envi, ERDAS, eCognition), and ability to use HEC-RAS, FlowR, and COSI-Corr software.
• Landslide-glaciology-hydrology field experience in the high altitude mountainous environment.

• Publication record as lead author in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

We prefer the candidate to have 

• Ability to conduct research independently.
• Experience collecting UAV data, and working in structure from motion workflow.
• Successful experience using Python/Matlab for programming and data analysis.
• Articulated interest in and flexibility necessary to respond quickly to time-sensitive research events. 
• Record of publication in a high-impact top-tier journal.

Application materials:

• A cover letter that provides a comprehensive overview of research work and how the applicant meets the qualifications for the position.
• Relevant samples of publications (no more than five). In the case of the joint publications, the candidate must include a brief description of his or her contribution.
• Detailed CV.
• Copy of graduate transcripts.
• Submit three professional references describing candidate’s ability to handle a large number of remote sensing datasets, modeling and programming capabilities, potential to independently execute the project, data interpretation skills, and experience to conduct fieldwork in the High Mountain region. References will be contacted via phone after initial candidate screening.

Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, females, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.