The Department of Geosciences, Stony Brook University, invites applications for one position at the level of Postdoctoral Associate in the geophysics lab. This Postdoctoral Associate will assist the Principal Investigator Dr. William Holt and Co-Investigator Dr. Weisen Shen in the Department of Geosciences, performing computationally intensive geodynamic models of the plate boundary system in the western United States. The detailed information about the preferred qualifications, job duties, and expected starting date/salary range are listed below. We expect to start reviewing candidates on July 13, 2025. The online application can be accessed through the following link: 2502357-Postdoctoral Associate- Geosciences
Required Qualifications: (as evidenced by an attached resume)
Ph.D.(or foreign equivalent) in Geophysics, Geology, Earth Sciences, or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience with numerical modeling codes such as ASPECT or Underworld Geodynamics (UWG).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with landscape evolution modeling tools like Fastscape or BADLANDS is highly desirable.
- Strong background in mantle convection modeling.
- Proficiency in integrating multidisciplinary datasets, particularly seismological and geochronological and or thermochronological data, into geodynamic models is highly desirable.
Brief Description of Duties:
The Postdoctoral Associate will assist the Principal Investigator, Dr. William Holt and Co-Investigator Dr. Weisen Shen in the Department of Geosciences, performing computationally intensive geodynamic models of the plate boundary system in the western United States. The Postdoctoral Associate will investigate the dynamics of the southwest Cordillera of North America over the past 36 million years. The project aims to explore lithospheric dynamics using viscoplastic rheology models coupled with time-dependent mantle flow histories, including subduction processes. A key aspect of the research involves utilizing seismically constrained crustal rheology and structure to inform and validate our models. The incumbent will need excellent oral and written communication skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively within a diverse research team.
Duties to include:·
● Develop and implement thermomechanical models to study lithospheric dynamics in the southwest Cordillera.
● Integrate geophysical and geochemical information (e.g., seismic, thermal, and compositional models) to constrain crustal rheology and structural parameters within the models.
● Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including geodynamicists, seismologists, and geochronologists, to correlate model findings with the timing of fluid events and extensional processes.
● Investigate the thermal history’s influence on melting, melt migration, and its subsequent impact on lithospheric weakening and structural evolution.
● Model landscape evolution by coupling rainfall models with erosion and sedimentation processes, aiming to compare results with existing stratigraphic data and drainage evolution models.
● Quantitatively assess data uncertainties and result errors throughout the whole data assimilation and modeling process.
● Other Duties as assigned.
Special Notes:
The Research Foundation of SUNY is a private educational corporation. Employment is subject to the Research Foundation policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines and the availability of funding. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.
Visit The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs: Home | Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to learn more about our postdoctoral community.
Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.
Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.
The starting salary range (or hiring range) to be offered for this position is noted below, it represents SBU’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Job Number: 2502357
Salary:$50,000-$65,000
Appointment Type: Regular
SBU Area:The Research Foundation for The State University of New York at Stony Brook