Postdoctoral Research Associate in Deep-time Paleogeography and Paleo-climate Modelling

• Full time 12 months fixed term with potential to extend, located at the University of Sydney, School of Geosciences

• Join a cutting-edge industry project investigating Earth systems across scale

• Base Salary $113,400 - $121,054 p.a + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Associate in Deep-time Paleogeography and Paleo-climate Modelling to join our cutting-edge research project in deep-time paleogeography and paleo-climate modelling. This position is proudly supported by BHP and offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to pioneering research for building a deep-time whole-Earth modelling framework.

This project will be hosted within the University of Sydney’s School of Geosciences, a vibrant, multidisciplinary community spanning geology, geophysics, marine geoscience, geography, and environmental sciences. It is internationally recognised for excellence in both research and teaching. Our common passion is to engage in research and teaching that promotes a better understanding of our world and its challenges, and we address key issues facing society including climate change, resource management and sustainability. The School of Geosciences is firmly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, improving equity, access and opportunity, and fostering an environment where individuality is welcomed and celebrated.

The successful applicant will address how Earth’s deep-time climate and paleogeography (over two billion years) have evolved, by deploying in the first year:

• Increasing model resolution, reducing MATLAB dependencies, and improving usability of the workflows and intermediate complexity climate code

• Incorporating proxy and other geological constraints, especially for testing multiple paleo-climate scenarios

• Creating documentation and effective cataloguing of model inputs and outputs

Pending new funding, the position can be extended by an additional two years. In Year 2 and beyond, the Postdoctoral Research Associate in Deep-time Paleogeography and Paleo-climate Modelling will also be expected to help merge and improve existing global paleogeographic and paleo-elevation generation workflows, as well as continue contributing to the paleo-climate modelling capabilities of the project. Throughout the project, the Research Associate is also expected to lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, presenting results at conferences, and contribute to team meetings (including with BHP), workshops, and mentoring activities.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who has:

• A PhD (or within 2 months of submitting a PhD thesis) in an area of deep-time paleo-climate modelling and/or paleogeography

• Have a proven track record of developing intermediate complexity climate models, model automation, and techniques that improve the community’s ability to integrate deep-time paleogeography and geological data with paleo-climate

• Proficiency in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, or similar)

• Prior experience with plate tectonic reconstructions, paleogeography, and geodynamics is also favourable

• Strong analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team

• Prior publication record in relevant areas

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence  and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion . 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Simon Drew, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au  

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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