Postdoctoral Research Scientist

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University located in Palisades, NY, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist (PDRS) position in geodynamic modeling. The successful candidate will use the geodynamic code ASPECT to better understand past and present mantle flow and crustal evolution in Antarctica. The research conducted in this PDRS role will be done in collaboration with Professors Jacky Austermann, Andrew Lloyd and Fola Kolawole.

The Antarctic ice sheet sits on a continent with a complex tectonic and geodynamic history, which has been shaped by convective forces in Earth's mantle. While imaging of the Antarctic subsurface has improved over the past decade, revealing especially fine scale features beneath West Antarctica, a geodynamic understanding of mantle flow and its interaction with crustal deformation and topography remain unaddressed.

The PDRS will work with the PIs to fill this gap by using the mantle flow and crustal deformation of the continent. They will first explore instantaneous present-day models and their fit to surface observations before backadvecting thermal anomalies with a temperature-dependent but linear rheology to the time of ice sheet inception (34 Ma). Combining the backadvected mantle state with a reconstruction of the crustal constraints and past plate motions) allows setting up a starting configuration for the crust and mantle 34 Ma.

The PDRS will then self-consistently model mantle flow and viscoplastic crust and lithosphere deformation forward in time to the present-day. Model output will be compared to observations of seismic anisotropy.

Candidates who have completed or be nearing completion of a Ph.D. in Geodynamics or closely related field. Experience in modeling crustal deformation or mantle convection using ASPECT or a comparable code is required along with advanced programming skills. Prior experience in one or more of the following is a plus: seismology, rifting, Antarctic science. Evidence in the ability to conduct and publish high-quality research is desired.

The position will be posted for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will continue until the position is filled.

The target start date is January 1, 2026 with some flexibility and the proposed appointment will initially be made for one year and will be extendable based on availability of funding.

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

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