Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of New Hampshire

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate for a seabed sensing research project focused on characterizing the upper-layer geoacoustic properties of deep-water seafloors. The position will support research involving acoustic sensing technologies, data analysis, model development, and signal processing techniques for seabed characterization. The position is budgeted for an initial two-year period and may transition to a full-time Research Scientist or Research Faculty role upon successful completion. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be jointly advised by Drs. Larry Mayer, Anthony Lyons, Thomas Blanford, and John Hughes-Clarke and will function as part of a small interdisciplinary team of researchers from academia, industry, and government. The position is based at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping facility on the Durham, NH campus and may include opportunities to participate in at-sea experiments for further data collection and testing.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, Oceanography, Ocean Engineering, Geophysics, or a related field.
• Familiarity with underwater active acoustics.
• Experience with common acoustical signal processing techniques, including cross-spectra, auto-spectra, matched filtering, and related methods.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a group.
• Knowledge of underwater active acoustics and acoustic sensing systems.
• Knowledge of acoustical signal processing techniques.
• Ability to analyze and interpret acoustic datasets.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Ability to participate in field activities and at-sea experiments as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with split-aperture echosounders, multibeam echosounders, and/or synthetic aperture sonar systems.
• Experience developing acoustic scattering models.
• Experience applying acoustical signal processing techniques to seafloor characterization problems.
• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
• Experience conducting field- and laboratory-based research.

Responsibilities

• Develop new techniques to characterize the upper-layer geoacoustic properties of deep-water seafloors.
• Analyze field data collected from split-aperture echosounders, multibeam echosounders, synthetic aperture sonar systems, and scaled laboratory experiments.
• Develop and validate models for the acoustic scattering properties of mixed-composition seafloors.
• Use acoustic scattering models to identify signal processing strategies for seabed characterization.
• Develop algorithms to identify specific seabed characteristics.
• Conduct independent research related to underwater active acoustics and seabed sensing.
• Collaborate with researchers from academia, industry, and government as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
• Participate in field data collection and testing activities, which may include at-sea experiments.
• Present research findings at professional meetings and scientific conferences.
• Assist with the preparation of progress reports, conference papers, and journal articles.
• Work closely with project investigators in the execution of sponsored research activities.
• Assist in mentoring students and staff working on related research activities.

Benefits

• USNH Employee Benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree