Post Doctoral Research Associate, Athens

Post Doctoral Research Associate

The EcoClimate Variability Lab in the Department of Geography at the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position to investigate the forces controlling hydroclimate in eastern North America (ENA) over the last 21,000 years. Working with Dr. David Fastovich, the successful candidate will help synthesize a network of leaf wax hydrogen isotope records from five well-dated lake sediment archives along a latitudinal gradient through ENA. The project uses the last deglaciation as a natural experiment to disentangle the influence of greenhouse gas, ice sheet, and ocean heat transport forcings on northward moisture transport and the westerly storm tracks that deliver precipitation to the region. Reconstructed records will be compared against isotope-enabled climate simulations to constrain hydroclimate sensitivities and identify the model components responsible for persistent precipitation biases in ENA. Ideal candidates will have experience, or interest in developing skills, in two or more of the following: synoptic-scale climatology of North America, analysis of climate model output, and leaf wax biomarker geochemistry. The EcoClimate Variability Lab is housed within the Center for Applied Isotope Studies (CAIS), which provides routine access to the full suite of instrumentation needed to measure hydrogen and carbon isotopes of organic biomarkers. CAIS also hosts one of the country's premier radiocarbon facilities, creating natural openings for new collaborations. UGA is a strong environment for an early-career researcher working at the intersection of paleoclimate and climate dynamics. The Department of Geography has exceptional depth in Quaternary sciences, with faculty leading research in paleoclimate, paleoecology, and environmental anthropology, and an atmospheric sciences program with expertise ranging from mesoscale climatology to synoptic dynamics. The successful candidate will be supported through a structured mentoring plan that includes an individual development plan, regular meetings with Dr. Fastovich, opportunities to co-lead or lead proposals, and access to professional development resources through the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Strategic Research Development, and the Career Center. The scholar will also have opportunities to mentor students and attend the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research annual members meeting as an early-career researcher. Athens is an affordable, walkable college town with a deep cultural community.Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position - PhD in Earth Science, Geology, Geography, or related discipline Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies - Experience in organic geochemistry or climate model analyses Required Documents Resume/CV Cover LetterList of References with Contact Information