Post-Doc Research Associate

University-of-North-Carolina-At-Chapel-Hil; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Post-Doc Research Associate to contribute hydrology and remote sensing expertise to the NASA-funded RIPPLES project. The role focuses on developing education materials and expanding citizen science initiatives around lake dynamics, with collaboration across EMES and the Institute of Marine Sciences.

The successful candidate will mentor educators, contribute to publications, and present findings at national conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in hydrology, geology, geography, physics, or related field.
• Experience with hydrology and remote sensing is preferred.
• Experience communicating scientific results to diverse audiences is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop materials using NASA data for formal and informal education.
• Contribute to the LOCSS lake water level data network expansion.
• Help build a Zooniverse-based platform for community analysis of lake imagery.
• Mentor educators in summer programs to build hydrology and remote sensing expertise.
• Aim to publish peer‑reviewed papers describing the work and present at conferences.

Skills

Zooniverse platform experience

Education

Ph.D. in hydrology, geology, geography, physics, or related discipline

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Posting Information

Department

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 10/26/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 11/25/2026

Open Until Filled No

Position Type

Position Title

Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID PDS005005

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week 40

FTE

FTE 1

Work Location

Position Location

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range

Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications

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.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

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.

Position Summary

This position will contribute their expertise in hydrologic remote sensing and secondary expertise in science activation (community science, K-12/informal education, or science communication) as part of the NASA -funded Researchers Inspiring Public Participation in Lake Education and Science ( RIPPLES ) project. RIPPLES brings together NASA data, hydrology experts and a team of experienced science educators to implement innovative, multi-faceted science learning that uses local lakes to engage and inspire educators, citizen scientists, and other lay publics. The goal of RIPPLES is to engage people across the United States in science learning experiences featuring local lakes to build understanding of Earth’s water cycle and NASA’s role in studying it using satellite-based remote sensing and crowdsourced data collection. The successful candidate will work with a team of remote sensing hydrologists and science engagement and education specialists to develop materials using NASA data for formal and informal education. They will serve as part of a team extending and expanding the Lake Observations by Citizen Scientists and Satellites ( LOCSS ) lake water level data collection network, play a major role in developing a Zooniverse-based platform for community analysis of remotely sensed imagery of lakes, provide remote sensing and hydrology expertise in developing project education materials, and mentor educators in summer programs focused on building hydrology and remote sensing expertise. The successful candidate will be expected to author peer-reviewed publications describing their work and present their work at national conferences. The initial appointment for this position is for one year, with possible reappointment for up to four additional years if funding remains available. Please contact Tamlin Pavelsky ([e-mail]) with questions about the position.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Experience working with the Zooniverse platform

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

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 [phone] or send an email to [e-mail] .
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Optional and Required Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).