Post-Doc Research Associate

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

We seek a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in global-scale hydrologic analyasis to help develop some of the first scientific results from the upcoming NASA Surface Water and Ocean Topography ( SWOT) Satellite, which launched in late 2022.

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences ( EMES) and the Institute of Marine Sciences at UNC-CH advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life, and drive environmental change. We promote exploration and discovery of the natural world by engaging students in research-based learning at all levels. Our graduates are equipped with the strong science foundation, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to tackle current and future environmental and resource challenges. We encourage engaged service that translates knowledge for the public good.

The position will involve substantial analysis of remotely sensed imagery, including data from SWOT itself and also from other sensors including optical sensors (like Landsat) and other radar sensors. It may involve both developing ancillary datasets to support SWOT and also analysis of the SWOT data itself. The position is for one year with the possibility of reappointment for up to three additional years. It will involve developing, implementing, and validating novel algorithms for analyzing SWOT data; writing scientific papers; and presenting research at national and international meetings. If the successful applicant is interested, the position may also involve experience in co-mentorship of undergraduate and/or graduate students.

Must have Ph.D. in hydrology, geology, geography, physics, or a related discipline before start of position

Must have ability to program fluently in at least common scientific programming language such as Python, R, Javascript, or Matlab. Must have experience in analyzing remotely sensed imagery or other large geospatial datasets.

Experience working in the Google Earth Engine environment. Understanding of satellite radar interferometry.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.