Position Vacancy Announcement, Kansas Geological Survey

Position: Post Doctoral Researcher (00008364)

Position Overview: Conduct research related to Late Cenozoic and Mesozoic stratigraphy and paleoclimatology in Kansas. The post-doctoral researcher will be engaged in studies focused on the subsurface sedimentary facies, stratigraphic framework, chronostratigraphy, and paleoclimatology of Neogene and overlying Quaternary units in the central High Plains aquifer. The research will involve field investigations, such as drilling (coring) and sampling outcrops, and supporting laboratory analyses. These include the stable isotopic measurements on sedimentary organic carbon and authigenic carbonates. Extraction and processing of stable isotope samples will be carried out in KGS lab spaces, and stable isotope analyses will be carried out at the KU Keck Paleoenvironmental & Environmental Stable Isotope Laboratory in the adjacent KU Multidisciplinary Research Building. The research will also involve radiometric dating techniques including U-Pb dating of carbonates, and the generation, interpretation, and publication-ready presentation of U-Pb dates from detrital zircons. Timely presentation of results in peer-reviewed journals and at national meetings is expected.

Starting Date: August 18, 2012

Limited Term End Date: August 17, 2013

Application Deadline: Review begins August 4, 2012.

Salary, Employment Status, and Fringe Benefits: $40,000 annual full-time equivalent.

Responsibilities

50%--Responsible for laboratory preparation and stable isotope analysis of subsurface and outcrop samples. Compilation and synthesis of laboratory data. Supervision of hourly lab assistants.

30%--Field sampling and laboratory preparation of geological samples for radiometric dating techniques, including volcanic ash bed chronology, U-Pb dating of carbonates, and U-Pb dating of detrital zircons.

20%--Primary responsibility for presenting and publishing the scientific results from the research activities.

Required Qualifications

1. Doctorate in Geology or related discipline.
2. Research experience in alluvial stratigraphy/sedimentology and isotope geochemistry.
3. At least one year of experience with laboratory equipment used for the preparation and analysis of geological and biological samples by stable isotopic ratio mass spectrometry.
4. Concentration of research interest in terrestrial paleoecology and paleoclimatology.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an interim basis not to exceed six months.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience in analysis of subsurface cores.
2. Training and experience in petrographic study of sedimentary deposits.
3. Demonstrated record of successful performance in a team environment.
4. Demonstrated potential to generate extramural research funding.
5. Record of scientific excellence indicated by scholarly publications and presentations at scientific meetings.

Application Procedure

Complete the Faculty and Academic Staff Data Form at https://jobs.ku.edu; search for position number 00008364. Upload the required material below:

1. cover letter/letter of application,
2. curriculum vita,
3. contact information for three professional references

A complete application will consist of all items above; incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application inquiries:

Annette Delaney, Kansas Geological Survey
Phone: (785) 864-2152
Fax: (785) 864-5317
Email: hr@kgs.ku.edu

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University's programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

Placed online July 22, 2012
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