Ph.D. and M.S. position at University of Alaska Fairbanks

Glacier-permafrost-hydrology interactions

Effect of glacier wastage on sub-arctic hydrology and permafrost

The Water and Environmental Research Center (WERC), and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), in collaboration with the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) Fairbanks and the Geophysical Institute at UAF, are seeking two graduate students to perform: a) hydrologic modeling and field measurements (Ph.D. student) and b) geochemical modeling and field measurements (M.S. student) of a glacierized catchment underlain by discontinuous permafrost. The Ph.D. position at WERC includes numerical model simulations using the physically based hydrologic model WaSiM, downscaled climate model scenarios and field measurements in order to assess what role glacier wastage play on lowland hydrology and permafrost in the Jarvis Creek (approx.150 km southeast of Fairbanks) and Tanana River basins, in Interior Alaska. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry M.S. position focuses on analyzing the variation of contributing sources and dominating flow pathways in the Jarvis Creek watershed using geochemical tracers. Both positions include multiple field trips to perform glacier, snow, meteorological, hydrological and geochemical measurements.

We seek motivated candidates with a B.S./M.S. degree in hydrology, geosciences/physical geography, physics, chemistry, engineering, or related fields. Experience with field work, hydrological modeling, GIS, glaciology and programming (Ph.D. position) or geochemistry (M.S. position) is desirable. Good oral and written communication skills are a prerequisite.

Employment will start by the earliest possible date, but no later than the spring semester (Jan 2014). Screening of applications will start as soon as possible and the position will be open until filled. US citizen, US residents as well as international applicants are welcomed.

Applicants are required to submit a complete application to the appropriate graduate program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. However, we recommend that you first contact us and submit via email the following information preferably in a single pdf: (1) a cover letter stating your motivation for graduate studies and the particular project, (2) a CV including contact information of three referees, and (3) transcripts of your academic record.

For more information about the project and its positions, please visit the Jarvis Creek webpage:http://ine.uaf.edu/werc/projects/jarvis/Default.aspx