Job Description
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
To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
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.
Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. . Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.
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.
