Postdoctoral Associate in Glaciology

University of Alaska; Juneau (AK); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alaska Southeast invites applications for a postdoctoral associate in glaciology for a project aimed at constraining uncertainty in glacier outburst flood models. The position is based in Juneau, Alaska, and will use hydrological modeling to improve flood forecasting and constrain future flood trajectories.

Collaboration with USGS and the National Weather Service is expected. Minimum qualifications include a PhD in glaciology, hydrology, or related field, a strong publication

Qualifications

• PhD required in glaciology, hydrology, or related field.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex data clearly.
• Experience with programming and data analysis is required.
• Experience with field data collection or analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monitoring efforts in the field and with data collection.
• Use hydrological modeling to improve flood forecasting and constrain future flood trajectories.
• Collaborate with partners at USGS and the National Weather Service.

Skills

Excellent communication

Programming experience

Field data acquisition/analysis

Education

PhD in glaciology, hydrology, or related field

Job description

The University of Alaska Southeast invites applications for a postdoctoral associate in glaciology for a project aimed at constraining uncertainty in glacier outburst flood models. Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, has released outburst floods since 2011, and in most years it released multiple floods. Record floods have occurred over each of the past three years, damaging houses and infrastructure in the town of Juneau and prompting urgent discussions of engineering solutions. This project will support those efforts by using hydrological modeling to improve flood forecasting efforts and constrain future flood trajectories, and will be done in collaboration with partners at the USGS and the National Weather Service. The floods are well documented with a robust monitoring system, which includes stream gauge measurements, water level measurements in the basin that the floods originate from, and repeat drone surveys of the basin. This position will assist with monitoring efforts.

For full consideration, apply by September 1st, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled. We anticipate a start date of November 1st, 2026. Funding, from the US Forest Service, is for one year with possibility of extension for one year.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have (i) a PhD in glaciology, hydrology, or a related field, (ii) a peer-reviewed publication record that is commensurate with experience, (iii) excellent communication skills, (iv) experience programming, and (v) experience with field data acquisition and/or analysis.

Position Details:

This position is located on the University of Alaska Southeast campus in Juneau, Alaska. This is a full-time, term, postdoctoral position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Jason Amundson at [e-mail].

• To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.
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Access to the reports is available at:

UAA:(Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension)Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or [e-mail]/907-786-1214 or [e-mail].

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UAS:(Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus)Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing [e-mail].

This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC). https://unitedacademicsak.org/

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at [e-mail].

The University of Alaska (UA) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.