Post Doctoral Research Associate

University of Texas at Arlington, United States

Updated: about 1 hour ago
Location: Arlington, TEXAS
Deadline: ;

Position Information


Posting Number F00650P
Position Title Post Doctoral Research Associate
Department Earth & Environmental Science
Location Arlington
Job Family Faculty
Position Status Full-time
Rank Open-NTT
Work Hours Standard
Open to External and Internal
FLSA Exempt
Duration Funding expected to continue
Pay Basis Monthly
Benefits Eligible Yes
Job Summary
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the College of Science, at the University of Texas at Arlington, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in air quality modeling and forecasting of extreme air pollution events, such as wildfires.
Benefits at UTA
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:
https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php
CBC Requirement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The successful applicant will contribute to a research project focused on advancing air quality forecasting capabilities, with a particular emphasis on extreme events. Key responsibilities include:
  • Simulating regional air quality using numerical models (e.g., WRF-Chem, CMAQ)
  • Improving wildfire emission estimates and smoke plume rise representation
  • Evaluating model performance using satellite and ground-based observations
  • Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
  • Collaborating within an interdisciplinary team and presenting results at scientific meetings
Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Environmental Science, or a related field
  • Experience using air quality modeling systems (e.g., WRF-Chem, CMAQ)
  • Strong programming skills in Python
  • Demonstrated data analysis and visualization expertise
  • Experience working in high-performance computing environments
  • Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiency in Fortran and shell scripting
  • Experience with model development and modification
  • Strong understanding of physical processes related to atmospheric transport and turbulent mixing
  • Demonstrated ability to compile, modify, and run complex models (e.g., WRF or other weather/climate models)
  • Knowledge of atmospheric trace gases and aerosols
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Strong team player with the ability to work independently when needed
Special Conditions for Eligibility
Department Information
The department consists of groups of faculty who interact and collaborate within and between groups representing Earth and Environmental Sciences including environmental chemistry, environmental health, climate change and oceanography, geochronology, tracer hydrology, hydrogeology, paleoclimate, paleontology, and sedimentary geology. We offer both M.S. and Ph.D. graduate degrees in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Information on the EES program can be found at http://www.uta.edu/ees/index.php .
Located in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the Center for Environmental, Forensics, and Material Science encompasses the most up-to-date techniques for the study of major and trace element analysis, contaminant detection, and material structures. Instrumentation includes multiple X-ray platforms and electron microprobe analyzer, atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The facility has applications in environmental science, geological science, and material engineering.
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. UTA is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. The University is committed to providing access and ensuring student success, and to a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization of discoveries by our community of scholars. With an enrollment of more than 40,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution. UTA ranks No. 4 nationally in Military Times’ annual “Best for Vets: Colleges” list and is among the top 30 performers nationwide for promoting social mobility of its graduates (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). UTA is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and it has one of the top 5 most ethnically diverse undergraduate student bodies in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). Its approximately 270,000 alumni, including some who occupy leadership positions at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas, contribute to UTA’s $22.2 billion annual economic impact on Texas.
Furthermore, UTA is poised to experience widespread growth in the near future. The university recently launched the first phase of its RISE 100 initiative aimed at recruiting 100 new tenure-system faculty to amplify research standing and position UTA as a leader in key scholarly areas; more details are available at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100 . The successful candidate for this position will have the opportunity to join UTA during an exciting period of growth and contribute as the university broadens its impact.
Working Title
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu .


Posting Detail Information


Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 08/01/2025
Open Date 05/07/2025
Review Start Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, applicants should go to https://uta.peopleadmin.com/postings/31744 and submit the following materials:
Required Documents:
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Contact information for 3 references
  • A recent publication relevant to the position (first-authored preferred)


Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions may be addressed to Dr. Yunyao Li at yunyao.li@uta.edu .
For more information about UTA, please visit: http://www.uta.edu/uta .

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