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University of Arizona

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Posting Number

req25564

Department

Sch of Nat Resource&Enviro-Res

Department Website Link

https://snre.arizona.edu/

Location

Tucson Campus

Address

1064 E Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona's School of Natural Resources and the Environment seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead SnowSmart Forestry, advancing forest management for snow, water, and wildfire resilience. The Postdoctoral Scholar will use hyper-resolution snow modeling (SnowPALM) and three years of Colorado watershed data to design thinning prescriptions, test them on 40 acres of ponderosa pine, and monitor impacts with drone LiDAR, Snowtography, and vegetation surveys.

What we offer:

Salary: NIH Salary Guidelines + competitive benefits.

Initial 1-year appointment, renewable up to 3 years with annual raises.

Mentorship from leading scientists Dr. Joel Biederman, (USDA) and Dr. William K. Smith (U Arizona), Dr. Patrick Broxton (U Arizona).

Location: Tucson, AZ - affordable, vibrant, and outdoors-focused, with travel to Colorado.

This role offers hands-on research, collaboration across disciplines, and career-building connections in forestry, water, and environmental sectors.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead big data processing and analysis efforts.
Develop a data integration and SnowPALM modelingworkflow that supportscomplex forest management scenario-based analyses.
Test SnowPALM model performance at multiple fieldsites where we will be monitoring the impacts of management with drone LiDAR, Snowtography, and vegetation surveys.
Participate in occasional field work at core Colorado field sites.
Tucson-based, with travel to Colorado.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. (by end of 2025) in hydrology, engineering, computer science, atmospheric sciences, ecology, or related field.
A proven publication track record.
Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Research

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

Target Hire Date

4/27/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

William K. Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Land-Water-Climate/Geospatial Analysis
wksmith@arizona.edu

Open Date

4/2/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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