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Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Arizona
life insurance, sick time
United States, Arizona, Tucson
Apr 02, 2026
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. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

    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 40
    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 1
    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.Thesereports 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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