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This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Position Summary
The Cryosphere & Climate Lab within the Department of Geography at Penn State University seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher (or Researchers) to conduct cryospheric research under two funded projects:
1. NASA‐Funded Antarctic Supraglacial Hydrological Observations
This project is advancing the observational understanding of Antarctic supraglacial hydrology by integrating optical and radar satellite imagery, ICESat-2 laser altimetry, and machine‐learning techniques to map and quantify lake depths and volume across the Antarctic ice sheet. The postdoc will retrieve lake depths from ICESat‐2, train machine‐learning models to estimate depths from optical imagery, and scale up lake volume mapping across Antarctica. Resulting lake dynamics insights will inform improved climate‐model parameterizations and ice shelf vulnerability assessments.
2. ISMIP7/Heising‐Simons Foundation Ice‐Shelf Collapse Projections (24 months)
Within the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP7 (ISMIP7) framework, the postdoc will help finalize and advance protocols for implementing Antarctic ice sheet calving and hydrofracture processes in ice‐sheet models. Responsibilities include running a machine‐learning firn densification model emulator using reanalysis and climate model outputs, generating firn‐air content and meltwater datasets, assessing climate‐model biases, and evaluating thresholds for supraglacial lake formation and ice‐shelf instability.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead development and application of remote sensing and other machine learning workflows for supraglacial water mapping and depth retrieval.
• Implement established protocols to estimate supraglacial lake depths from satellite mutispectral and ICESat‐2 data.
• Configure and run a firn densification model emulator using climate model outputs.
• Generate datasets necessary to implement ISMIP7 ice shelf collapse protocol.
• Perform sensitivity analyses, evaluate model outputs, and estimate hydrofracture potential.
• Write manuscripts, present at conferences, and mentor students in data-driven cryosphere research.
Minimum Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Glaciology, Geophysics, Geography, Earth System Science or related field by start date.
• Expertise in remote sensing (Landsat, Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, ICESat‐2) and open-source machine learning toolkits (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with reanalysis datasets and ice sheet and/or climate models.
• Proficiency in Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and high-performance computing.
• Publication record and excellent communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• Research experience related to ice sheet surface mass balance and hydrology.
• Familiarity with ice sheet models and intercomparison projects (e.g., ISMIP6, ISMIP7).
• Experience with collaborative multi‐institution research.
Funding and Appointment Details
• We are ideally seeking one postdoctoral researcher to contribute to both projects.
• The position will start as soon as possible.
• Salary and benefits follow Pennsylvania State University guidelines.
• Travel support is included.
• Location: Department of Geography, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
Application Materials
Submit a single PDF containing:
1. One-page cover letter outlining research interests and qualifications.
2. Current curriculum vitae.
3. Names and contact information of three references.
4. One representative publication (or presentation) in PDF format.
Application Deadline: September 24, 2025
Contact Information
Dr. Luke Trusel ([email protected])
Cryosphere & Climate Lab, Department of Geography
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page.
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