"Postdoctoral Researcher - River and Stream Sciences Lab"

Job Details

Department: Earth Sciences

Pay Rate Type: Salary

Employee Type:

Job Summary:

The River and Stream Sciences Lab (RSSL) at Colby College invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a NASA-funded research project focused on improving satellite-based estimates of river water quality. This position supports Colby College’s commitment to high-impact research, undergraduate education, and faculty-student collaboration within a liberal arts environment.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead innovative, satellite-based investigation into the effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on river systems, contribute to advancing understanding of global river processes and material fluxes, and pursue related research questions in geomorphology, hydrology, and environmental science. The role includes close collaboration with RSSL faculty and research staff, mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students, and opportunities to contribute to undergraduate teaching.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities

Research Responsibilities

• Lead satellite-based research examining river water quality and watershed processes using diverse remote-sensing datasets, including Landsat, Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and PlanetLabs imagery.
• Conduct independent and collaborative research on the impacts of natural and human-driven disturbances on river systems.
• Address fundamental research questions in geomorphology, hydrology, and river science.
• Analyze, manage, and interpret large spatial and environmental datasets.
• Prepare research results for dissemination through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and collaborative reports.
• Contribute to ongoing and future externally funded research initiatives within the River and Stream Sciences Lab.

Collaboration and Mentorship:

• Collaborate closely with RSSL faculty, researchers, and project partners.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive research environment that advances student learning and professional development.

Teaching and Academic Engagement:

• Contribute to Colby College’s undergraduate program through guest lectures, course support, or teaching opportunities, as appropriate.
• Engage with the broader academic community through seminars, workshops, and departmental activities.

Professional Development:

• Pursue professional development activities that support career advancement in academics, research, or applied science pathways.
• Develop research skills and scholarly independence within a supportive liberal arts college environment.

Position Qualifications

Education and/or experience:

• Ph.D in Geology, Earth Science, Hydrology, Geomorphology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field completed by the start date.
• Demonstrated expertise in watershed or riverine processes.
• Experience in analyzing spatial datasets and proficiency in scientific programming using one or more programming languages.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with satellite-based remote sensing datasets.
• Familiarity with river water quality assessment and environmental monitoring
• Interest in teaching or contributing to undergraduate education in a liberal arts setting.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking on the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College Website. Please submit (1) a cover letter describing relevant training and experience with watershed processes, spatial data, and scientific programming; (2) an updated curriculum vitae; (3) statements of research experience and interests; and (4) Contact information for two professional references.