Post-Doc Research Associate

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

Start Date is Flexible from a range of April 1st to August 1st, 2026. This is a 12-month appointment, but another 6-months of funding is projected. This 6-month reappointment may be given upon satisfactory performance for recommendation, but this appointment carries no commitment, implied or otherwise, for said renewal or permanent employment. This position will support a field season, some related analytical costs, and travel for a conference. The department has fully functional mineral separation facilities. We anticipate operational LA- ICP-MS facilities for U-Th-Pb geochronology in Spring 2026.

The following documents an applicant should attach:
1) CV
2) 1-2 page cover letter describing your past experience and the types of projects you would like to pursue at UNC
3) A recent publication or article in review
4) 1-2 letters of recommendation from a professional reference. Have your reference directly email Dr. Sarah George at sarahwmgeorge@unc.edu with their letter. Please also include a document with the reference provider(s) names and contact information within "Other Document"

If you wish to contact the PI, Sarah George, email sarahwmgeorge@unc.edu. To learn more about CLAST (The Climate, Lithosphere, and Sedimentary Tectonics) go to https://clastresearch.com/

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences ( EMES) and the Institute of Marine Sciences at UNC-CH advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life, and drive environmental change. We promote exploration and discovery of the natural world by engaging students in research-based learning at all levels. Our graduates are equipped with the strong science foundation, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to tackle current and future environmental and resource challenges. We encourage engaged service that translates knowledge for the public good.

The Climate, Lithosphere, and Sedimentary Tectonics ( CLAST) research group at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Postdoc will have an expertise/knowledge base of geomorphology, basin analysis, climate-tectonic interactions, detrital petrochronology, and/or tectonics.

PhD by start date in a related field.

A publication record with at least one publication accepted/in press/or in review at a peer reviewed journal. Demonstrated experience in two or more of the following disciplines: tectonic geomorphology, field-based sedimentology/stratigraphy, thermochronology, geochronology, geochemistry, paleoaltimetry, provenance. Collaborative attitude and willingness to contribute to the broader research group including overseeing some lab operations and advising an undergraduate research project. Demonstrated field and laboratory abilities, willingness and ability to plan and conduct field work, and willingness to occasionally guest lecture in the department.

Experience in a coding language and experience in ArcGIS, QGIS, and/or TopoToolbox and/or laser ablation ICP-MS geochronology.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.