Postdoctoral Researcher - River and Stream Sciences Lab

Job Description

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.

Department: Earth Sciences
Pay Rate Type: Salary
Employee Type: Job Summary

Eligibility: 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.

• 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.

• Handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
• Work with varying timelines, including quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
• Interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations, presenting oneself professionally at all times.
• Perform regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
• Spend extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse.
• Lift up to 10 pounds regularly, with occasional lifting up to 35 or 50 pounds in more demanding roles.
• Meet vision requirements for seeing clearly at close and far distances.
• Work in a dynamic and engaging environment with shift of focus and strong organizational skills.
• Manage moderate noise levels; occasional louder sounds depending on campus activity.

Interested candidates should apply electronically. Please submit a cover letter describing relevant training and experience with watershed processes, spatial data, and scientific programming; an updated curriculum vitae; statements of research experience and interests; and contact information for two professional references.