Postdoctoral Scholar in Tectonic Geomorphology

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• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

A Postdoctoral Scholar Research position is available, starting July 1, 2026, in the Department of Geosciences at The Pennsylvania State University. The Postdoctoral Scholar will study the interaction of strike-slip faults, glacial erosion, and the evolution of topography in landscapes subjected to lateral tectonic motion. The project will involve conducting numerical experiments to explore the relative influences of fault slip rate, efficiency of glacial erosion, and climate change on the connectivity of glacial valley networks. Field work to validate experimental results may be undertaken.  

The Postdoctoral Scholar will work primarily with Eric Kirby to:

1. Implement a simple glacial valley erosion rule in numerical models of landscape evolution

2. Conduct numerical experiments to isolate the relative influence of erosional efficiency and tectonic slip rate in controlling landscape evolution

3. Compare results to field observations from selected strike-slip faults

Key responsibilities of the position include:

1. Theoretical and numerical model development

2. Presentation of results at scientific conferences

3. Preparation of scientific publications

4. Mentoring of junior researchers (graduate students and undergraduate students)

The candidate for this position should have a strong background in geomorphology, structural geology and/or geodynamics, and expertise in scientific computing and landscape evolution modeling.  Previous experience working with strike-slip faults and translational tectonic settings is desirable.  Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. (or have completed all the requirements by the time of appointment) in a relevant field (geology, geomorphology, or geodynamics) and demonstrated effective writing skills through high-quality reports and publications.

The successful candidate must be committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and diverse campus community and will be welcomed into an active community of surface process researchers at Penn State.

To apply, please include the following in a single PDF document:

1. CV

2. The names and contact information for 2 professional references

3. A cover letter (2-page max, 12-pt font) that outlines

1) your research interests,

2) previous research, and

3) how your experience aligns with the position summary and requirements.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

BENEFITS

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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