Two postdoctoral positions in isotope biogeochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley

Two postdoctoral research positions are available in the field of isotope biogeochemistry. Details of each position are given below. If you are interested in both positions, please apply to both.

(1) The Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to work with Prof. Daniel Stolper in the area of isotope geochemistry. Work will involve applying a newly developed isotopic technique that allows for the measurement of the ‘clumped’ isotopic composition of methyl groups from wood using high-resolution isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Research questions will be designed and tailored to the postdoctoral scholar’s interests as related to both modern and ancient systems. Research will involve laboratory work and the potential for greenhouse experiments and field sampling depending on the direction of the project.

The successful candidate will be making measurements on wood clumped isotope compositions. This will include sample preparation and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The candidate will also conduct either or both field work and greenhouse experiments to collect and create samples.

Link to application website: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF03970


(2) The Departments of Earth and Planetary Science and Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley under the supervision of Professors Daniel Stolper (Earth and Planetary Science) and Todd Dawson (Integrative Biology) are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to study the triple oxygen isotopic geochemistry of organic molecules derived from wood. The motivation is to explore the triple oxygen isotope system of wood as a proxy for past terrestrial paleoclimate and, specifically, the hydrological cycle. Goals of the project are to develop the methodology, calibrate it, and apply it to an initial modern and fossil record. Work will involve use of a laser-based system for triple oxygen isotope analyses of CO2 at the University of California, Berkeley. Postdocs will have freedom to influence the design and direction of the project including conducting field work and greenhouse growth experiments.

The successful candidate will be making measurements on wood triple oxygen isotopes. This will include sample preparation and laser-based spectroscopy. The candidate will also be able to conduct either or both field work and greenhouse experiments to collect and create samples.

Link to Application website: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF03971


For both positions:

Final Application deadline of 8/15/23

Salary:  The UC postdoc salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2022-23/april-2023-ase-gsr-postoc-salary-scales/t23.pdf. A reasonable estimate for this position is $$60,000 – $71,952.

Anticipated start: Fall 2023/Spring 2024

Position duration: These are both two-year positions. The appointments may be renewable depending on availability of funding and satisfactory performance.