Postdoctoral Associate in the Alaska Observatory

Virginia Tech University

Blacksburg, VA, USA 🇺🇸

Job no: 531576
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Science
Department: Geosciences
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific

Job Description

We anticipate opening up to two postdoctoral research positions in the Alaska Observatory funded by the Department of Defense. Each appointment will be for 2 years, with the possibility of an extension of an additional year, depending on performance. Following are some of the tasks anticipated to be undertaken by the postdoc
1. InSAR Data Processing and Analysis:
o Lead the acquisition and processing of spaceborne Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data.
o Develop and apply advanced multitemporal InSAR techniques to monitor land subsidence and uplift with millimetric precision.
o Integrate InSAR data with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements for high-resolution deformation mapping.
2. Infrastructure and Hazard Mapping:
o Generate maps of infrastructure vulnerability and coastal inundation risks using InSAR-derived subsidence data.
o Assist in creating infrastructure damage exposure models, particularly focusing on permafrost degradation and its impact on DoD assets.
3. Coastal Inundation Risk Projection:
o Perform inundation modeling using coastal subsidence rates, sea-level rise projections, and high-resolution LiDAR topographic data.
4. Groundwater Storage and flow modeling:
o Use InSAR and hydrogeological data in combination with poromechanical models to estimate groundwater storage and flow changes.
5. Data Validation and Benchmarking:
o Validate subsidence models using independent GNSS observations and assess the accuracy of deformation maps.
6. Dissemination of Results:
o Prepare publications and presentations for national and international conferences.
o Collaborate with DoD personnel and stakeholders to ensure the effective application of the developed tools and data.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, physics, earth sciences, or related fields.

Knowledge of SAR interferometry and application in permafrost and cryosphere studies.

Preferred Qualifications

The knowledge of inverse theory and signal processing.

Also, the candidate must have strong skills in technical programming languages such as MATLAB, PYTHON, or C++.

Appointment Type: Restricted

Salary Information: $55k-$60k/yr

Review Date: 11/29/2024

Additional Information: The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Sharon Collins at sharon72@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: November 11, 2024
Applications close: Open until filled


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

You ad could be here!