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Postdoctoral Scholar - Critical Zone Scientist

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Position description

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced is also building the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building in the heart of Merced.

The Sierra Nevada Research Institute is the largest research institute at UC Merced with representation from faculty across the campus. The SNRI is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research position with the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory (SSCZO). The successful candidate will use and synthesize existing data collected in and around the SSCZO to better understand the geophysical, geochemical, hydrological, and ecological controls on the development and function of the Critical Zone (CZ). The ideal candidate will have a strong publication record in fields related to CZ development along with demonstrated experience in linking geospatial, remotely sensed and in-situ datasets of water, nutrient, soil, vegetation, geochemistry, geophysics, and meteorology. Experience in landscape-scale modeling is also an asset.

Required qualifications include: a Ph.D. in a relevant area (Earth System Science / Hydrology) must be conferred by the start date of the position; experience with data analysis and/or modeling skills as demonstrated per publication record; and excellent written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

This position will be based at UC Merced, with the option to work with SSCZO investigators at other universities. For further information see https://criticalzone.org/sierra/ or contact any of the SSCZO investigators.

Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a short research statement and 4) names of at least three professional/academic references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address. Final application date: October 28, 2018.

Review of applications will begin immediately; position will remain open until filled. Starting dates are negotiable.

Salary is based on the University of California Academic Salary Scales.

The University of California, Merced is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. The University is supportive of dual career couples.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

Reference requirements
  • 3-8 required (contact information only)

Job location

Merced, CA