The Department of Geosciences at the University of Montana seeks applicants for a postdoctoral research associate with University of Montana Group for Quantitative Study of Snow and Ice. The 12-month position is renewable for multiple years, pending satisfactory progress and availability of funds. The researcher will divide effort between two projects: one focused on seasonal snow in mountainous regions of Montana, and the other focused on meltwater infiltration in snow/firn on the Greenland Ice Sheet. The work on seasonal snow will investigate process level interactions between snow and the tree canopy. The work in Greenland will address meltwater infiltration and refreezing in the percolation zone of the ice sheet. The research combines laboratory work, field work, data analysis, and numerical simulations.

• Ability to contribute to one or more of the research tasks
• Ph.D. in Geosciences, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or similarly aligned fields
• Evidence of publishing in academic journals; proficiency with machine learning methods
• Proficiency with numerical simulation techniques
• Proficiency with scripting languages such as Python and MATLAB
• Proficiency with Linux computing platforms

• Ability to travel safely in alpine settings and/or work in remote ice sheet locations
• Multidisciplinary backgrounds combing quantitative and computational fields with climate science

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Type: 12 Month
Review Date: Review of applications will begin November 1, 2022 and will continue until positions are filled
Schedule: 12-month beginning May 1, 2023

Entry Level Salary: $55,000-60,000 annually

Benefits: Medical Insurance/Employer Retirement Contribution/Professional Development/Partial Tuition Waiver/Wellness

The University of Montana is one of the nation's outstanding public universities, committed to liberal arts education, research, and strong professional programs. It is located in Missoula , a cosmopolitan Rocky Mountain community, often singled out in national publications for its quality of life. The vibrant downtown community embraces the state’s most sophisticated music and art scene.

Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests are easily available.  Outside magazine has ranked Missoula as one of the “25 Best Towns ”  “Greatest Places to Live in America ” and one of “The 5 Best Places to Raise Outdoor Kids ,” livability.com lists Missoula as one of the “Best College Towns ,” and SmartAsset.com rated Missoula as “#1 Most Fitness-Friendly Place " and #9 “Least Stressed Cities in America .”

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

Priority Application Date: November 1, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Review of applications will begin November 2, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.

IMPORTANT: Please do not send applications directly to the University of Montana Environmental Studies Department.  Applications sent directly to the Department will not be considered or forwarded to Human Resource Services.   

Upload the following materials: *Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (Unofficial copies are acceptable.  Official transcripts will be required at time of hire.)
• Names and contact information of three references

For inquiries about the position contact Joel Harper, search committee chair, at joel.harper@umontana.edu .