Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Position Overview

University of South Florida, College of Marine Science (USF/CMS) invites applications for a two-year, full-time Postdoctoral Researcher beginning 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.

Large buoyant mantle upwellings associated with prominent gravity anomalies (MBAs) are thought to occur within a deep, low‑viscosity, damp melting interval, where volatile‑ and incompatible element‑rich melts form and are efficiently transported to the surface through reactive flow channels. The cruise, tentatively scheduled for June 2027, will map and sample a subset of off‑axis volcanoes and axial rift sites south of the Bight Fracture Zone to investigate variations in volcanism relative to the Bight MBA.

We 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, noble gases, and radiogenic isotopic compositions. Spatially‑resolved geochemical, volcanological, and geophysical data will 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 help explain why seamounts are so abundant in this area.

• Participate in the proposed cruise and collect basalt samples.
• Perform petrographic and geochemical analysis of collected basalt samples.
• Interpret and disseminate results under supervision of Prof. Dixon and other PIs.
• Analyze major, trace, and volatile elements using electron microprobe, ICP‑MS, FTIR, and SIMS.
• Collaborate with graduate students at USF, University of South Carolina, and University of Iceland for integration and interpretation of the resulting data.
• Present research results at national and international scientific meetings.
• Lead the publication of scientific results in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Participate in the preparation of at least one NSF proposal.
• Attend workshops and seminars on Developing Individual Development Plan (IDP) and preparing teaching/research statements.

• Minimum qualifications: PhD in igneous geochemistry. Experience in using at least one analytical technique, including electron microprobe, ICP‑MS, FTIR, and SIMS. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Postdoctoral Fellow.
• Preferred qualifications: Experience in using and instrument development of more than one analytical technique. Sea‑going experience. Publication resulting from PhD research.

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

This job description does not constitute an employment contract.