Post-Doc Research Associate

Posting Information

Posting Details

Department Earth Marine Environmt Sci - 318000 Posting Open Date 10/26/2026 Application Deadline 11/25/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate Vacancy ID PDS005005 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Chapel Hill, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications Proposed Start Date 01/01/2027 Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

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 (pavelsky@unc.edu) 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

Must have ability to program fluently in at least one common scientific programming language such as Python, R, Javascript, or Matlab. Must have experience in analyzing remotely sensed imagery or other large geospatial datasets. Must have demonstrated experience in one or more aspects of science activation (e.g. community science, K-12/informal education, or science communication).

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Experience working with the Zooniverse platform

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327467

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Jessica Phillips, Dept. HR Department Contact Telephone or Email jessica.phillips@unc.edu Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information

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 (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

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

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