Postdoctoral Scholar - Earth and Environmental Sciences

Syracuse University; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar in quantitative structural geology and deformation processes to join a growing research program. The candidate will contribute to analogue deformation experiments, digital image correlation, remote sensing, and quantitative analysis of natural deformation systems.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in geoscience or a closely related field, strong programming and data-analysis skills, and experience with reproducible workflows.

Qualifications

• PhD in geoscience, geology, geophysics, geomorphology, or related field by start date.
• Strong quantitative skills and ability to analyze geospatial or image-based data.
• Experience developing reproducible computational workflows.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (Python, R, MATLAB) and data analysis.
• Strong communication through publications, talks, or software outputs.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
• Interest in structural geology, tectonics, geomechanics, or related Earth sciences.
• Experience with laboratory experiments, analogue modeling, or instrumentation.
• Familiarity with remote sensing, geospatial data, and large image datasets.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in structural geology, tectonics, and geomechanics.
• Design, conduct, and analyze analogue deformation experiments.
• Develop workflows to process large image-based and geospatial datasets.
• Write and modify scientific software in Python for data processing and visualization.
• Support laboratory development, instrumentation, and experimental workflows.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students as needed.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Programming

Data analysis

Python

R

MATLAB

Remote sensing

Geospatial analysis

Image processing

Independent research

Education

PhD in geoscience or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

R

Job description

Job Description

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Syracuse University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in quantitative structural geology and deformation processes. The successful candidate will join a growing research program focused on deformation, fluid pathways, and landscape evolution in the upper crust, establishing a new experimental deformation laboratory. Research investigates fault‑system evolution, deformation partitioning, and structural controls on fluid flow and mineralization through analogue modeling, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and computational methods with applications in critical mineral systems, geologic hazards, and Earth‑surface processes. The candidate will contribute to laboratory experiments, digital image correlation, remote sensing, and quantitative analysis of natural deformation systems while helping to shape the future direction of the research group.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in geoscience, geology, geophysics, geomorphology, engineering, remote sensing, Earth system science, or a closely related discipline by the anticipated start date.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative analysis of geospatial, experimental, image‑based, or Earth science datasets.
• Strong quantitative, programming, and data analysis skills.
• Experience developing reproducible computational workflows.
• Evidence of scientific communication through publications, presentations, reports, software, datasets, or related scholarly products.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Experience or interest in structural geology, tectonics, geomechanics, geomorphology, Earth‑surface processes, or related Earth science disciplines.
• Experimental geoscience, laboratory‑based research, analogue modeling, rock mechanics, or instrumentation.
• Image processing, computer vision, digital image correlation, photogrammetry, or quantitative analysis of large image‑based datasets.
• Remote sensing, geospatial analysis, deformation monitoring, Earth observation, or related spatial datasets.
• Fault systems, distributed deformation, landscape evolution, fluid pathways, mineralization, or related crustal processes.
• Scientific programming in Python, R, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• Experience integrating diverse datasets, including field observations, laboratory measurements, remote‑sensing products, geospatial data, or numerical model outputs.
• Experience developing quantitative, transferable, and process‑based approaches to Earth science problems.
• Development of reproducible computational workflows using version control, notebooks, open‑science tools, or high‑performance computing resources.
• Experience mentoring students or collaborating within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in structural geology, tectonics, and geomechanics.
• Design, conduct, and analyze analogue modeling experiments.
• Develop workflows for processing and analyzing large image‑based, experimental, and geospatial datasets.
• Write and modify scientific software, primarily in Python, for data processing, visualization, and quantitative analysis.
• Assist with laboratory development, instrumentation, and experimental workflows.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Assist with mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Application Instructions

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and fit for the position
• Contact information for three professional references
• One representative publication, writing sample, software repository, or data‑analysis product

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal‑opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.