Post-Doc Research Associate

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences ( EMES) and the Institute of Marine Sciences at UNC-CH advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life, and drive environmental change. We promote exploration and discovery of the natural world by engaging students in research-based learning at all levels. Our graduates are equipped with the strong science foundation, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to tackle current and future environmental and resource challenges. We encourage engaged service that translates knowledge for the public good.

The Post-doctoral Research Associate will join the Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences working under the direction of Prof. Antonia Sebastian at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The post-doctoral research associate is expected to conduct research on extreme weather events and associated risks using data-driven approaches. They will be expected to contribute to manuscripts through research design, analysis, writing, project management, and mentorship of students. The selected candidate will work closely with researchers at Colorado State University and the University of Oklahoma on a NOAA-funded project to improve flood forecasting systems. The cover letter and/or research statement should include information about future research goals and vision in addition to describing past work. Within the Department, the Flood Hazards Lab conducts research and education to advance the scientific understanding of the dynamic interactions between natural, social, and engineered systems and how they drive the evolution of flood risk across space and time. Examples of projects within the Lab include:
- Modeling compound flooding from tropical cyclones and other severe weather events in the coastal plain
- Advancing understanding of the roles of climate and land use on current and future flood hazards
- Advancing understanding of extreme events and their social and economic impacts to individual households and communities
-Working with local and state governments to assess and prioritize flood mitigation projects and adaptation policy.

The candidate must hold a PhD in environmental sciences, engineering, geology, or related discipline.

Prior experience working with large precipitation datasets and machine learning models is required.

Successful candidates will also demonstrate an understanding of how to assess climate risk and/or evaluate adaptation strategies.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.