Postdoctoral Researcher – Aerosols and hydroclimate risk Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher – Aerosols and Hydroclimate Risk

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated early career scientist for a one-year, full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position studying the role of anthropogenic aerosols in near-term climate risk. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with Dr. Geeta Persad at UT Austin in Austin, TX.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to a set of cutting-edge projects focused on understanding and projecting hydroclimate extremes, particularly multivariate and compound events, in the context of rapidly evolving anthropogenic aerosol emissions. Using earth system multi-model large ensemble datasets under the Regional Aerosol Model Intercomparison Project (RAMIP), the researcher will help quantify the role of aerosols—relative to greenhouse gases—in shaping historical and future hydroclimate extremes. The work will involve developing new theoretical frameworks and methodologies for attributing aerosol-driven hydroclimate hazards, analyzing the confounding effects of structural uncertainty and internal variability, and informing more robust, aerosol-aware climate projections for decision-making and climate resilience. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, interdisciplinary climate science at the intersection of modeling, attribution, and policy-relevant research.

The position is available to begin as soon as possible, preferably no later than December 2025, and is expected to be 1 year in duration. The position carries an annual salary of $70,000 (plus benefits) and funding for publications and travel to a professional conference. The postdoctoral researcher will have access to mentorship, networking, and professional development resources offered through the Jackson School for Geosciences and the University of Texas Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. This position is funded by federal grants from NOAA and NSF and is subject to availability of funding.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Geeta Persad directly with any questions.

The deadline to submit applications for full consideration is September 15, 2025. Applicants should submit (1) a 1-2 page letter of interest detailing how the candidate satisfies required and preferred qualifications, their ability to fulfill the position responsibilities, and specific research areas of interest within the project topics; (2) their current CV; and (3) names and email address for 3 professional references. Applications should be submitted via the University of Texas at Austin Jobs Portal.

Purpose

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to a set of cutting-edge projects focused on understanding and projecting hydroclimate extremes, particularly multivariate and compound events, in the context of rapidly evolving anthropogenic aerosol emissions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific analysis to establish and explain the response of multivariate hydroclimate extremes to near-term evolution of global aerosol emissions using large ensemble data from RAMIP and other data sources.
• Lead writing of peer-reviewed publications and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Contribute scientific expertise across project activities led by other project team members.
• Contribute to mentorship of graduate student researchers.

Required Qualifications

PhD in atmospheric science, climate science, or a related field received less than 5 years prior to date of hire.

PhD must have been obtained within 3 years from date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working with earth system multi-model large ensemble data.

Knowledge of Regional Aerosol Model Intercomparison Project datasets and protocols.

A strong track record of published and/or submitted manuscripts on hydroclimate topics.

Strong written and oral presentation skills.

Expertise in climate system physics and earth system modeling.

Salary Range

$70,000

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest