Postdoctoral Researcher - River and Stream Sciences Lab

The River and Stream Sciences Lab (RSSL) at Colby College invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a NASA-funded research project focused on improving satellite-based estimates of river water quality. This position supports Colby College’s commitment to high-impact research, undergraduate education, and faculty-student collaboration within a liberal arts environment.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead innovative, satellite-based investigation into the effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on river systems, contribute to advancing understanding of global river processes and material fluxes, and pursue related research questions in geomorphology, hydrology, and environmental science. The role includes close collaboration with RSSL faculty and research staff, mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students, and opportunities to contribute to undergraduate teaching.

To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

• Lead satellite-based research examining river water quality and watershed processes using diverse remote-sensing datasets, including Landsat, Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and Planet Labs imagery.

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on the impacts of natural and human-driven disturbances on river systems.

• Address fundamental research questions in geomorphology, hydrology, and river science.

• Analyze, manage, and interpret large spatial and environmental datasets.

• Prepare research results for dissemination through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and collaborative reports.

• Contribute to ongoing and future externally funded research initiatives within the River and Stream Sciences Lab.

• Collaborate closely with RSSL faculty, researchers, and project partners.

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

• Foster an inclusive, supportive research environment that advances student learning and professional development.

• Contribute to Colby College’s undergraduate program through guest lectures, course support, or teaching opportunities, as appropriate.

• Engage with the broader academic community through seminars, workshops, and departmental activities.

• Pursue professional development activities that support career advancement in academics, research, or applied science pathways.

• Develop research skills and scholarly independence within a supportive liberal arts college environment.

• Ph.D in Geology, Earth Science, Hydrology, Geomorphology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field completed by the start date.

• Demonstrated expertise in watershed or riverine processes.

• Experience in analyzing spatial datasets and proficiency in scientific programming using one or more programming languages.

• Strong collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

• Experience working with satellite-based remote sensing datasets.

• Familiarity with river water quality assessment and environmental monitoring

• Interest in teaching or contributing to undergraduate education in a liberal arts setting.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.

• This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.

• In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.

• This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.

• Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse

• Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve…