Postdoctoral Associate

Stony Brook University • Town of Brookhaven, NY

1d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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).

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees