"Post-Doc Research Associate"

Job Details

Department: Earth Marine Environmt Sci - 318000

Posting Open Date: 08/11/2025

Application Deadline: 09/08/2025

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Title: Post-Doc Research Associate

Vacancy ID: PDS004622

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: $65,000-$70,000

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 Months

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: The position will involve substantial analysis of remotely sensed imagery, including data from SWOT itself and possibly also from other sensors including optical sensors (like Landsat) and other radar sensors. It may involve both developing ancillary datasets to support SWOT and also analysis of the SWOT data itself, including validation and development of data processing tools. The position is for one year with the possibility of reappointment for an additional year. It will involve developing, implementing, and validating novel algorithms for analyzing SWOT data; writing scientific papers; and presenting research at national and international meetings. If the successful applicant is interested, the position may also involve experience in co-mentorship of undergraduate and/or graduate students. Inclusiveness and equity are essential to our campus success, and UNC-CH seeks candidates who share our commitment.

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.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Experience working in high performance computing environments. Understanding of satellite radar interferometry.

Special Instructions: For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here.