Postdoctoral Research Scholar

University of South Florida • Saint Petersburg, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of South Florida, College of Marine Science (USF/CMS) invites applicants for a two-year, full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to begin April 1, 2027. The marine geology and geochemistry project is led by Prof. Jacqueline Dixon. The successful candidate will participate in a funded research cruise to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge south of the Bight Fracture Zone (~57°N) to investigate off-axis volcanoes and to perform major, trace, and volatile element geochemical analyses on oceanic basalt samples. The project involves mapping and sampling off-axis volcanoes and axial rift sites to investigate variations in volcanism relative to the Bight MBA. The work will characterize the structure, morphology, and composition of these off-axis volcanoes using high-resolution mapping with AUV Sentry combined with in situ sampling using the new mROV. The sampled lavas will undergo a full suite of geochemical analyses, including major, trace, and volatile concentrations (USF), noble gases (WHOI), and radiogenic isotopic (USC) compositions. The goal is to test models for magmatic accretion differences across the Bight transform, constrain the distribution of mantle components, test the role of volatiles in volcano morphology and eruption dynamics, and explain the abundance of seamounts in this area.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or professional degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in marine geology and geochemistry.
• Ability to perform major, trace, and volatile element geochemical analyses on oceanic basalt samples.
• Experience with AUV Sentry for high-resolution mapping.
• Experience with mROV for in situ sampling.
• Proficiency in geochemical analysis techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with noble gas analysis.
• Experience with radiogenic isotopic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a funded research cruise to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge south of the Bight Fracture Zone.
• Investigate off-axis volcanoes.
• Perform major, trace, and volatile element geochemical analyses on oceanic basalt samples.
• Map and sample off-axis volcanoes and axial rift sites.
• Characterize the structure, morphology, and composition of off-axis volcanoes using high-resolution mapping with AUV Sentry.
• Perform in situ sampling using the new mROV.
• Conduct geochemical analyses on sampled lavas, including major, trace, and volatile concentrations, noble gases, and radiogenic isotopic compositions.
• Test models for magmatic accretion differences across the Bight transform.
• Constrain the distribution of mantle components.
• Test the role of volatiles in volcano morphology and eruption dynamics.
• Help explain why seamounts are so abundant in the study area.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance plans
• Retirement plan options
• Employee and dependent tuition programs
• Generous leave
• Hundreds of employee perks and discounts

What This Job Offers

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