Postdoctoral Associate (LLO)

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.

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

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 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

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.

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University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

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