Post-Doctoral Associate

University of Minnesota • Minneapolis, MN

35d

About The Position

Aircraft measurements to characterize sources of atmospheric ammonia Join our team! The atmospheric chemistry group at the University of Minnesota (UMN) seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Associate. The postdoctoral researcher will collect, process, and utilize observations gathered from an airborne platform to constrain ammonia (NH3) emissions and their evolution from agricultural facilities across the continental US. The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the large, collaborative, and vibrant NASA FarmFlux team that will study the cycling of nitrogen between agricultural systems and the atmosphere. The primary responsibilities of the position include: 1) operating and processing the data from an NH3 QC-TILDAS to be deployed in a small aircraft during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 (70%) 2) writing and publishing results in scientific journals (30%) 3) presenting research findings at scientific conferences (3%) 4) meeting regularly with supervisor and collaborative team (2%) 5) participating in professional development activities (5%) The successful candidate will be part of our dynamic research group at UMN while also working closely with our collaborators at other institutions. Opportunities exist for remote work during non-deployment periods, if needed. The mission of the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate is to advance the understanding of Earth system processes and the interaction among land, atmosphere, and water. Through research, teaching, and outreach we seek to: improve and protect the quality of soil, air, and water resources in natural and managed ecosystems; enhance agricultural and forest productivity and sustainability; predict and mitigate impacts of environmental and climate change on ecosystems and society; and provide science based knowledge for improved decision making and a better informed citizenry.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in atmospheric chemistry or related field at the time of hire, and the ability to join the team no later than May 1, 2026.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with atmospheric trace gas measurements.
• Strong expertise in atmospheric chemistry.
• Demonstrated scientific writing proficiency, with first-author publications in refereed journals related to atmospheric chemistry.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• operating and processing the data from an NH3 QC-TILDAS to be deployed in a small aircraft during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
• writing and publishing results in scientific journals
• presenting research findings at scientific conferences
• meeting regularly with supervisor and collaborative team
• participating in professional development activities

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees