Post Doctoral Research Associate

Posting Number

G/R33410P

Working Title

Post Doctoral Research Associate

Department

Franklin-Geography

About The University Of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university

( https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About The College/Unit/Department

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.

College/Unit/Department Website

https://geography.uga.edu/

Employment Type

Employee

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Start Date

09/01/2026

Posting Date

05/29/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions To Applicants

To apply, include a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin June 15 with an anticipated start date of September 1.

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EOO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( [email protected]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Duties/Responsibilities

Climate data and modeling analysis

Percentage Of Time

Duties/Responsibilities

Manuscript preparation and writing

Duties/Responsibilities

Sample preparation and isotopic Measurement

Percentage Of Time

Duties/Responsibilities

Professional development

Percentage Of Time

Duties/Responsibilities

Grant preparation and writing

Percentage Of Time

Duties/Responsibilities

Field work

Classification Title

Post-Doctoral Associate AD

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.0

Position Summary

The EcoClimate Variability Lab in the Department of Geography at the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position to investigate the forces controlling hydroclimate in eastern North America (ENA) over the last 21,000 years. Working with Dr. David Fastovich, the successful candidate will help synthesize a network of leaf wax hydrogen isotope records from five well-dated lake sediment archives along a latitudinal gradient through ENA. The project uses the last deglaciation as a natural experiment to disentangle the influence of greenhouse gas, ice sheet, and ocean heat transport forcings on northward moisture transport and the westerly storm tracks that deliver precipitation to the region. Reconstructed records will be compared against isotope-enabled climate simulations to constrain hydroclimate sensitivities and identify the model components responsible for persistent precipitation biases in ENA.Ideal candidates will have experience, or interest in developing skills, in two or more of the following: synoptic-scale climatology of North America, analysis of climate model output, and leaf wax biomarker geochemistry. The EcoClimate Variability Lab is housed within the Center for Applied Isotope Studies (CAIS), which provides routine access to the full suite of instrumentation needed to measure hydrogen and carbon isotopes of organic biomarkers. CAIS also hosts one of the country’s premier radiocarbon facilities, creating natural openings for new collaborations.UGA is a strong environment for an early-career researcher working at the intersection of paleoclimate and climate dynamics. The Department of Geography has exceptional depth in Quaternary sciences, with faculty leading research in paleoclimate, paleoecology, and environmental anthropology, and an atmospheric sciences program with expertise ranging from mesoscale climatology to synoptic dynamics.The successful candidate will be supported through a structured mentoring plan that includes an individual development plan, regular meetings with Dr. Fastovich, opportunities to co-lead or lead proposals, and access to professional development resources through the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Strategic Research Development, and the Career Center. The scholar will also have opportunities to mentor students and attend the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research annual members meeting as an early-career researcher. Athens is an affordable, walkable college town with a deep cultural community.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position

PhD in Earth Science, Geology, Geography, or related discipline

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies :

Experience in organic geochemistry or climate model analyses

Physical Demands

Standing/sitting at a fume hood for long periods of time for analytical work and spending long periods of time at a computer for writing/analyses.

Is this a Position of Trust?:

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a requirement of this position?:

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

No

Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications):

No

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Dr. David Fastovich

Recruitment Contact Email

***email_hidden***