Skip to main content

Postdoctoral Position: Computational Geodynamics

Position overview

Salary range: The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment.
See Table 23: Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid
Direct, Fiscal Year
. The salary range for this position is $64,480-$77,327. “Off-scale salaries”, i.e., a
salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered
when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Application Window

Open date: April 1, 2024

Most recent review date: Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, Mar 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral appointment at the Computational Infrastructure for Geodynamics (CIG) at the University of California Davis. The position is expected to contribute to the development and support of teaching numerical modeling in geodynamics and towards developing independent research. CIG supports the development and dissemination of software for geophysics and related fields by supporting the infrastructure for the development of open source, community codes.

The candidate is encouraged to develop innovative, original, and feasible software engineering and/or software development projects that complement and/or improve our current practices. CIG supports communities in computational science, dynamo, education, long-term tectonics, mantle convection, multiphysics, seismology, seismic cycles, and short-term crustal dynamics. Active areas of interest include:
• the advancement of an existing non-CIG code for inclusion into the CIG community
• significant expansion of an existing CIG code
• the application and / or development of new tools for visualization, management, and analysis of model data, and
• outreach and education.

The successful candidate will also contribute to the development of:
• education teaching modules for computational geodynamics employing best practices in teaching and software development
• computational workflows in their area of expertise

The successful applicants are expected to collaborate with the relevant members of CIG headquarters, the CIG community, and relevant outside communities.

These positions are expected to participate in ongoing CIG Headquarters’ activities including maintaining the community software infrastructure and participating in outreach including leading tutorials.

We anticipate one appointment for an initial 2-year term. Appointments may be extended depending on performance and availability of funding. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment.
See Table 23: Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid
Direct, Fiscal Year
. The salary range for this position is $64,480-$77,327. “Off-scale salaries”, i.e., a
salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered
when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience. This is a full-time appointment with benefits. This position is covered by a collective bargaining unit.

For more information about CIG, see geodynamics.org.
Questions can be addressed to Lorraine Hwang at: ljhwang@ucdavis.edu

Qualifications:
• A Ph.D. in Geology, Geophysics, Applied Mathematics, Software Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading, as a lecturer or TA, courses in geodynamics or geophysics that utilizes computational teaching methods.
• Excellent programming, analytical, writing, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience programming in Python and markdown in a Jupyter notebook environment.
• Knowledge of additional object-oriented programming languages preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in building and running computational models in geodynamics.
• Knowledge of best practices in open-source software development.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a team is essential.

How to Apply:
Applicants should submit a cover letter with a brief description of thesis research and teaching experience, and CV. (optional) In addition the applicant is encouraged to submit a maximum 5 page statement of the research utilizing modeling software or driven by software development proposed to conduct during the postdoctoral fellowship, contact information for two recommendation letter writers, and a letter of collaboration from a relevant CIG working group, lead developer of the software project you will work with, or project advisor. Application material should be submitted via the online application system at: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06410

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• A Ph.D. in Geology, Geophysics, Applied Mathematics, Software Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading, as a lecturer or TA, courses in geodynamics or geophysics that utilizes computational teaching methods.
• Excellent programming, analytical, writing, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience programming in Python and markdown in a Jupyter notebook environment.
• Knowledge of additional object-oriented programming languages preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in building and running computational models in geodynamics.
• Knowledge of best practices in open-source software development.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a team is essential.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - Brief description of thesis research and teaching experience.

  • Letter of Collaboration from a relevant CIG working group

  • Letter of Collaboration from Lead Developer of Software Project - Letter of collaboration from the lead developer of the software project you will work with, or project advisor.

  • Statement of Research - Maximum 5 page statement of research utilizing modeling software or driven by software development proposed to conduct during the postdoctoral fellowship.
    (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06410

Help contact: bagary@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their "Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA