Job Description: The Geography Department in the University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Science is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to work with Dr. Adam Csank on the collaborative project “Investigating tree rings as archives for atmospheric Hg concentrations using Hg, carbon isotopes, and comparisons to other proxies.” The anticipated start date of the position is November 2022. The project is funded by the National Science Foundation’s Geobiology and Low Temperature Geochemistry program (award 2152873). Co-PI’s include Dr. Mae Gustin in the Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences Department at UNR, who will co-mentor the postdoctoral scholar; Dr. Peter Weisberg at UNR and Dr. Monica Arienzo at the Desert Research Institute.
The postdoctoral scholar will be focused on using dendrochronological techniques and geochemical analyses to develop long-term records of atmospheric mercury from tree rings. Methods will involve, measuring mercury (Hg) concentrations in tree rings in conjunction with stable carbon isotopes, and comparing tree-ring derived Hg records with records from other proxies. Some of the goals of the project are to understand how tree-ring Hg assimilation can be influenced by climate? How do records of deposition and concentration differ and whether spatial variability in Hg can be quantified using tree-rings. We are seeking candidates with a strong interest in interdisciplinary scholarship and a background in geochemistry or dendrochronology.
The position is for three years, with the second and third-year contingent on performance. Approximately 20% of the position’s time can be dedicated toward the scholar’s own research, ideally in an area related to the main project. The scholar will also have opportunities for formal and informal mentoring, including the required creation and submission of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with Drs. Csank and Gustin and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Funding will be made available for the scholar to travel to conferences.
The University of Nevada, Reno is an R1 University located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, less than an hour’s drive from Lake Tahoe and 4 hours from San Francisco. The Reno-Tahoe area boasts world-class skiing, biking, and hiking, among other activities. The scholar will be encouraged to actively participate in interdisciplinary activities at UNR, including those offered by the Atmospheric Sciences, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Hydrologic Sciences programs. The scholar may also choose to participate in the burgeoning UNR Postdoctoral Association (UNRPA), as well as other campus-wide initiatives.
Informal inquiries should be sent to acsank@unr.edu or mgustin@unr.edu
Required Qualifications:
· Ph.D in Environmental Science, Geography, Geosciences, Natural Resources, Ecology, Geochemistry, OR a related field by the start date of the position, and no more than five-years prior to the start of the position.
· A strong interest in environmental issues, geochemistry, dendrochronology, or plant ecophysiology.
· Demonstrated capacity to work independently and lead the development and publication of research results.
· Experience in quantitative data analysis, as documented through course work or previous research.
· Prior experience conducting field work.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Prior experience in geochemical or chemical laboratory analysis
· Prior experience with dendrochronology
· Programming experience or a desire to work in R and/or Python
For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Postdoctoral-Scholar--Geography_R0132176-1
EEO/AA. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.