Postdoctoral Scholar; Coral Stable Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry

Job Title:

Postdoctoral Scholar (Coral Stable Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry)

Location:

Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary:
Temporary

Full/Part Time:

Job

Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, College of Arts & Sciences, Florida State University

The Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science at Florida State University seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to conduct research in the area of coral geochemistry and paleo climatology. The successful applicant will work on developing paleo climate reconstructions of tropical Pacific climate variability and change using stable isotope and trace element geochemical techniques. Analytical techniques may include isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), laser ablation-ICP-MS, ICP-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), time of flight ICP-MS, and secondary ion mass spectrometry to generate high‑resolution sea surface temperature and seawater d18O reconstructions during the Common Era, Holocene, and/or Last Interglacial Period.

The successful candidate will work under the direction of Dr. Alyssa Atwood to conduct original research, write manuscripts for publication, participate in professional meetings, and collaborate with faculty and graduate students at Florida State University, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, and Brown University. The candidate will also be encouraged to develop and pursue their own areas of research interest. Research in the group involves a combination of laboratory measurements, field work, and numerical modeling, which the successful candidate will be encouraged to incorporate into their own research based on interest.

Trainees are mentored to gain professional skills such as research design and communication, grantsmanship, laboratory management and leadership training, networking, and navigating the faculty job market.

A PhD in geochemistry, chemistry, oceanography, geology, earth science, climate science, or a related field is required. Experience with stable isotope and/or trace element analytical techniques is strongly preferred, as are strong oral and written communication skills. Experience with a computer programming language such as Python, Matlab, or R is a plus.

The appointment is for 24 months. Opportunities for raising extramural funding to support the position beyond that will be provided and encouraged. The anticipated start date is January 2026, although some flexibility is possible.

Dr. Alyssa Atwood – aatwood

The position covers an annual stipend of $70,000 with a benefits package.

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU >
Self Service. Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information, including work history up to ten years and education details even if attaching a resume.

In addition, please submit a single PDF file by January 5, 2025 to Dr. Alyssa Atwood (aatwood) containing the following:
1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and qualifications;
2) a CV;
3) the name and contact information for 3-5 professional references; and
4) (optional) a 1‑2 page statement describing your research goals and accomplishments in research and teaching/mentoring. Potential applicants are welcome to contact Dr. Atwood with questions prior to applying.

This is an OPS/temporary job. Based on the duties, this position may require completion of a criminal history background check.

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.