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Waterville, Maine, United States
Onsite
The Earth Sciences department at Colby College invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Scientist position in biogeochemistry. This residential appointment supports Colby’s commitment to high-impact undergraduate education and faculty-student collaborative research. The Postdoctoral Scientist will conduct externally funded research while contributing to undergraduate teaching and mentorship, with the goal of preparing for a future faculty position at a primarily undergraduate institution.
The Postdoctoral Scientist will play a lead role in an NSF-funded, multi-institutional research project examining the uptake of toxic metals from dust sourced from the drying Great Salt Lake by native plants and agricultural crops. This work will be conducted in collaboration with scientists at the University of Utah and Indiana University and will involve fieldwork in the Great Basin followed by laboratory-based sample processing and analysis at Colby College.
Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities
To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Research Responsibilities
Lead the dust provenance and soil geochemistry components of an NSF-funded research project focused on metal transport and uptake in terrestrial and agricultural systems.
Conduct field-based research in the Great Basin, including sample collection and site coordination.
Perform laboratory-based sample processing and geochemical analyses at Colby College.
Analyze, interpret, and visualize complex geochemical and environmental datasets.
Prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to collaborative scholarly outputs with partner institutions.
Coordinate and collaborate with external research partners at the University of Utah and Indiana University.
Undergraduate Mentorship and Supervision
Supervise and mentor undergraduate students engaged in field and laboratory research.
Provide training in field methods, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and research ethics.
Foster inclusive and supportive research environments that promote undergraduate learning and professional development.
Teaching Responsibilities:
Teach or co-teach one undergraduate course per academic year related to climate science and/or biogeochemistry.
Develop course content and instructional materials with mentorship and support from departmental faculty.
Engage in reflective teaching practices aligned with Colby’s liberal arts mission and pedagogical values.
Professional Development and Departmental Engagement:
Participate as an integral member of the Earth Sciences research and teaching community.
Engage in professional development activities that support preparation for a faculty career at a primarily undergraduate institution.
Contribute to departmental seminars, meetings, and academic events as appropriate for a postdoctoral appointment.
Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience:
Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field completed by the start date.
Experience teaching and/or mentoring undergraduate students.
Prior field and laboratory research experience, preferably in a leadership role.
Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis and visualization.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize multiple competing responsibilities.
Valid driver’s license required and must meet Colby’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements.
Experience with wet geochemistry laboratory techniques, such as sample digestions, column chemistry, and trace metal concentration or isotopic analyses.
Demonstrated expertise in soil, sediment, plant, and/or aqueous (bio)geochemistry.
Experience leading the writing and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, laboratories, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.
Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.
The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit (1) a cover letter describing their interest in, and qualifications for, this position; and (2) an updated curriculum vitae. Candidates should also provide contact information for three professional references. Application review will begin on February 16, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
