Postdoctoral Scholar – Scientific Program Manager, Paros Geohazards Center

University of Washington; Washington; On-site; USD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington's Paros Geohazards Center invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to help coordinate scientific activities, develop new research directions, and advance sensing technologies for geohazards monitoring.

The position focuses on managing center operations, project planning, and external collaborations, with a commitment to community engagement and translating findings into hazard mitigation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in oceanography, Earth sciences or atmospheric science is required.
• Strong scientific background and ability to conduct independent research.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to coordinate collaborations and contribute to Center goals.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate flagship research initiatives and coordinate scientific activities.
• Develop project plans and funding strategies for Center growth.
• Organize meetings, workshops, and collaborative activities; build a Center community.
• Engage with communities and government agencies to translate research into applications.
• Balance duties across operations, planning, and research.

Skills

Independent research

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Proposal development

Education

Ph.D. in oceanography / Earth sciences / atmospheric science

Tools

Data analysis

Scientific computing

Job description

Position Overview

Organization: School of Oceanography

Position Description

The newly formed Paros Geohazards Center ( https://parosgeohazardscenter.uw.edu ) in the College of the Environment at the University of Washington (UW) is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to support the Center's mission to develop and exploit novel sensing technologies and the algorithms to analyze their signals for monitoring geohazards. Reporting to the Center Director and working closely with the Paros Chairs/Investigators, the successful candidate will help coordinate the Center's scientific activities, contribute to research on emerging sensing technologies, participate in shaping the Center's initial scientific direction, support the development of new research initiatives and proposals, and develop partnerships that translate research advances into improved geohazards monitoring and hazard mitigation.

The Center's initial research is organized around six flagship initiatives that address a broad range of geohazards through the development and application of new observational approaches. These initiatives include real-time seafloor sensing for the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the Forks geophysical borehole testing center and observatory, integrated sensing of mountain and volcanic geohazards, a cryospheric sensor test bed, wind and waves in Arctic sea ice, and cross-initiative applications of infrasound sensing. Together, these initiatives bring researchers from across the University of Washington and partner institutions together to develop, deploy, and exploit innovative instrumentation and analytical methods that advance our understanding of geohazards and improve hazard monitoring and mitigation.

The successful candidate will support the management and growth of the Center by supporting the development of new research directions, coordinating flagship research initiatives, tracking scientific progress, managing budgets, and developing project plans and funding strategies. They will help build an active Center community by increasing participation of faculty, scientists, postdoctoral scholars, and students; organizing scientific meetings, workshops, and collaborative activities; and fostering connections among researchers across the University of Washington and partner institutions. They will also work with communities and government agencies to build partnerships that help translate the Center's research into improved hazard monitoring, mitigation, and community resilience. It is anticipated that work duties will be split roughly equally between (1) managing center operations and community engagement, (2) project development and planning, and (3) research.

This position is full-time (100% FTE), 12- months/year, with an initial term appointment of one year (12 months), renewable depending on funding, eligibility, and/or satisfactory performance for a total period of up to 3 years. The salary for this position will be $6,681 per month. The position is available starting December 1, 2026. The review process will commence immediately with equal consideration given to all applications received by September 25, 2026 and will continue until filled.

Qualifications

University of Washington postdoctoral scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experience. At the time of appointment, candidates must have a Ph.D. in an applicable field such as oceanography, Earth sciences or atmospheric science. The successful candidate will have a strong scientific background, demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to independently advance research activities, coordinate collaborations, and identify ways to contribute to the Center's goals. They will have the ability to work effectively with faculty, scientists, postdoctoral scholars, students, communities, government agencies, and external partners in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. Experience developing research proposals, managing scientific projects, organizing workshops or meetings, and building research partnerships is desirable. Additional areas of expertise that would be valuable include experience with sensing technologies, geohazards research, data analysis, scientific computing, or translating research advances into applications with societal impact.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information .

Privacy Notice

Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW's Privacy Policy.

Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

The University of Washington is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

For help signing up, accessing your account, or submitting your application, please check out Interfolio's help and support section or get in touch via email at [e-mail] or phone at [phone].

Title IX Notice

The University of Washington does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination and sex-based harassment in its education programs and activities, including in admission and employment. Refer to the UW policies page on the Title IX website to review (1) the University's policies prohibiting sex- and gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination and (2) the related procedures for addressing complaints.

To report information or make a complaint about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, submit an online Title IX report or email or call the Office of the Title IX Coordinator.

Office of the Title IX Coordinator

Valery Richardson, Title IX Coordinator
4311 11th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98105
206-221-7932
[e-mail]