Subglacial Hydrology and Ice Dynamic History in Northwest Greenland

with the SIIOS (Seismometer to Investigate Ice and Ocean Structure) Team

Position:

Full-time 12-month (extendable, pending funding) Postdoctoral Scholar position located in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University.

The successful applicant will lead a glaciological study of Northwestern Greenland towards understanding the unique subglacial hydrological system (including a subglacial lake) and ice dynamic history of this little studied corner of Greenland Ice Sheet. The study is in collaboration with a team of planetary scientists whose overarching goal is to develop and test a seismometer for deployment on a lander on Europa or other Icy World. The region of study encompasses that between the Bowdoin Glacier and the newly discovered Hiawatha Impact Crater. The successful applicant will be encouraged to engage in outreach activities.

This position is funded by a grant from NASA Cryosphere and Planetary. The postdoc will work under the mentorship of Erin Pettit (Glaciologist), in collaboration with Nick Schmerr (Seismologist, Univ. of Maryland), Dani DellaGiustina (Planetary Scientists, Univ. of Arizona), Hop Bailey (Planetary Scientist, Univ. of Arizona), along with several others.

The position is renewable for a second year, so long as the postdoctoral scholar remains within five years from receipt of their doctoral degree*; reappointment depends on performance and funding availability and is at the discretion of the Principal Investigator and the OSU Office of Postdoctoral Programs. Stipend and benefits conform with postdoctoral scholar standards at OSU (http:// gradschool.oregonstate.edu/postdocs).

Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will lead the field acquisition** and analysis of ground-penetrating radio echo sounding and active seismics and integrate these new data with previous data and modeling towards making significant scientific contributions related to subglacial hydrology and ice flow dynamics with particular focus on the Bowdoin Glacier subglacial lake and the Hiawatha Impact Crater. The postdoc will work with the PI and collaborators to design and conduct field acquisition, processing, analysis, and archiving of data; interpret the data using appropriate models; communicate research findings; prepare research manuscripts for peer-reviewed journal publications; present research at scientific conferences and public outreach events; develop and assist with writing grant proposals; assist in the training of undergraduate and graduate students in thesis or dissertation preparation, research methods, and computational/mathematical methods; and collaborate with other members of the OSU glaciology research group and the international project team. Up to 15% of the time may be used for professional development activities and outreach, including activities such as Inspiring Girls Expeditions.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in glaciology, geophysics, or a closely related field; proficiency with Matlab and/or python; peer-reviewed publication record (commensurate with career stage) in glaciology or a closely related field; excellent written and verbal communication skills; self motivation and ability to work independently; effective decision-making skills and ability to plan and implement research strategies (in collaboration with the advisors/mentors) to efficiently achieve the project goals; ability to work effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

While there is some flexibility to design the post-doc's activities towards their area of expertise, we prefer a background that includes a combination of ice sheet dynamics, subglacial hydrological systems, radar and seismic signal processing, and field experience in a polar environment**.  We highly encourage applicants from under-tapped groups, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities.

Position Available:

A start date is negotiable, ideally between Feb 1 and May 1 2020**.

Application:

For full consideration, apply by Oct 15, 2019. Applicants must send: (1) a cover letter describing academic experience, qualification; and interest in the position; (2) a curriculum vitae, including current employment and contact information; (3) undergraduate and graduate transcripts; (4) names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references; and (5) reprints/ preprints of representative publications.

Application materials should be addressed to Dr. Erin Pettit and uploaded as single pdf here:

Oregon State University is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.

* If you are close to or beyond the five-year limit for OSU’s postdoctoral scholar program, please apply anyway and submit a question through the link above for more information. There are alternative mechanisms for you to be hired as a post doctoral researcher if you are selected as the best candidate.

** While this project does involve field work at a remote site in Greenland (mid May through mid June and August 2020), to insure inclusion of all qualified potential applicants, participating in this field work is not required if arrangements can be made ahead of time to find a suitable alternative field scientist.