2 OPEN POSITIONS IN THE NG RESEARCH GROUP!

1. Postdoctoral or PhD Position in Sulfur Hydrobiogeochemical Modeling 

I am seeking a postdoctoral researcher or PhD student for a DOE-funded, collaborative project examining the interactions of hydrologic flux and coupled iron-sulfur-carbon cycling in riparian wetlands. The importance of sulfur has often been overlooked in land-based biogeochemical cycling; we are finding that in dynamic hyporheic zone settings (where surface water and groundwater mix), sulfur can undergo "cryptic" cycling that drives carbon and iron – important elements for global cycles as well as for local contaminant fate and transport.

I am looking for a post-doc or PhD student to work on computer modeling aspects of the project - specifically implementing and further developing a reactive transport model (specifically PFLOTRAN, a computer code that simulates both transport with flow and geochemical reactions). The model will incorporate hydrological, geochemical, and microbial data recently collected at a field site in South Carolina (DOE’s Wetland Hydrobiogeochemistry Scientific Focus Area at the Savannah River Site). I am seeking candidates with computer programming skills (e.g., Matlab, Python, R, or similar), and ideally previous experience with reactive transport modeling (or hydrological or geochemical modeling).

The post-doc or PhD student would work as part of a collaborative team covering the areas of geochemistry, geomicrobiology, and hydrology/hydrogeology, including others at University of Minnesota and DOE scientists.

I am seeking to fill this position as soon as possible, with possible start dates as early as immediately and as late as September 2023 (postdocs may start immediately, PhD students may start Spring 2023, Summer 2023, or Fall 2023). Graduate applications to our department for Fall 2023 are due December 15 (see here for more information - note that we do not require the GRE).  

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact me (Prof. Crystal Ng, [email protected]) with a CV and/or brief summary of your relevant background for this position. 

2. Postdoc or PhD/MS student position: Tribally engaged hydrological research

I am seeking a postdoctoral researcher, PhD student, or MS student for collaborative research with Upper Great Lakes tribal partners on the hydrology of Manoomin (Ojibwe)/Psiη (Dakota)/Zizania palustris (scientific name)/wild rice (common name) lakes and streams. This individual will join an interdisciplinary research collaborative at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities focused on protecting Manoomin/Psiη, with a core commitment to prioritizing tribal needs, perspectives, and knowledge. The specific position will be to investigate hydrological perturbations (e.g., driven by climate and land-use change) and associated impacts (e.g., erosion and water quality) that tribal knowledge-holders have seen to contribute to the century-long decline of Manoomin/Psiη, a sacred food, medicine, and gift from their Creator. Research activities will involve some combination of fieldwork, data analysis, and hydrological computer modeling based on tribal needs and the individual’s interests. This position will be funded through a new, multi-institution NSF Coastlines and Peoples grant, which will grow and support a Hub of Great Lakes region tribes and academic scientists and engineers from multiple institutions, all of whom are committed to protecting and honoring Manoomin/Psin and other human and more-than-human relatives in their watersheds. PhD and MS applicants may contact me (Prof. Crystal Ng, [email protected]) with their CV and description of interests; the application deadline for graduate students is Dec. 15, 2022 (see here for more information - note that we do not require the GRE). Postdoc applicants may directly apply by contacting me (Prof. Crystal Ng, [email protected]) with their CV and cover letter.