Postdoc

ACS; Flagstaff (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

ACS invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join NSF-funded projects on amino acid biogeochemistry. The role focuses on racemization dating of Last Interglacial shorelines and lacustrine organic matter cycling, with collaboration across laboratories.

The two-year appointment offers hands-on training in HPLC analysis, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation, plus opportunities to publish findings and contribute to paleoclimate applications with an interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• PhD in Earth Science, Environmental Science, Biogeochemistry, or related field by start date.
• Experience with Quaternary geochronology and paleoenvironments preferred.
• Background in organic geochemistry desirable.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct NSF-funded paleoclimate biogeochemistry research across two projects.
• Develop expertise in analytical biogeochemistry and HPLC analysis.
• Collaborate with the NAU-ACE Isotope Lab for radiocarbon analyses and with a broader interdisciplinary team.
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to data interpretation and dissemination.

Skills

Quaternary geochronology

Paleoenvironments

Organic geochemistry

Publications

Education

PhD in Earth Science/Environmental Science/Biogeochemistry

Job description

We seek a Postdoctoral Scholar to join NSF-funded research projects exploring amino acid biogeochemistry. Project 1 advances amino acid racemization for dating Last Interglacial shorelines (120,000 years ago) using a global collection of marine mollusk shells to create temperature-dependent calibrations, with applications to understanding ice-sheet stability and coastal responses to warming. Project 2 investigates amino acid racemization and decomposition in radiocarbon-dated and laboratory-heated lake sediment to understand organic matter cycling across geographically diverse sites. The scholar will develop expertise in analytical biogeochemistry with paleoclimate applications while collaborating with the NAU-ACE Isotope Lab for radiocarbon and an interdisciplinary research team. This two-year position offers hands‑on training in HPLC analysis, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation.

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in Earth Science, Environmental Science, Biogeochemistry, or related field by start date. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Quaternary geochronology and paleoenvironments, background in organic geochemistry, track record of peer-reviewed publications.