Job description
Job Number: REQ_0000070355
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.POSITION SPECIFICS
Position Summary
The Cryosphere & Climate Lab within the Department of Geography at Penn State University seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher (or Researchers) to conduct cryospheric research under two funded projects:
1. NASA-Funded Antarctic Supraglacial Hydrological Observations
This project is advancing the observational understanding of Antarctic supraglacial hydrology by integrating optical and radar satellite imagery, ICESat-2 laser altimetry, and machine-learning techniques to map and quantify lake depths and volume across the Antarctic ice sheet. The postdoc will retrieve lake depths from ICESat-2, train machine-learning models to estimate depths from optical imagery, and scale up lake volume mapping across Antarctica. Resulting lake dynamics insights will inform improved climate-model parameterizations and ice shelf vulnerability assessments.
2. ISMIP7/Heising-Simons Foundation Ice-Shelf Collapse Projections (24 months)
Within the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP7 (ISMIP7) framework, the postdoc will help finalize and advance protocols for implementing Antarctic ice sheet calving and hydrofracture processes in ice-sheet models. Responsibilities include running a machine-learning firn densification model emulator using reanalysis and climate model outputs, generating firn-air content and meltwater datasets, assessing climate-model biases, and evaluating thresholds for supraglacial lake formation and ice-shelf instability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead development and application of remote sensing and other machine learning workflows for supraglacial water mapping and depth retrieval.
- Implement established protocols to estimate supraglacial lake depths from satellite mutispectral and ICESat-2 data.
- Configure and run a firn densification model emulator using climate model outputs.
- Generate datasets necessary to implement ISMIP7 ice shelf collapse protocol.
- Perform sensitivity analyses, evaluate model outputs, and estimate hydrofracture potential.
- Write manuscripts, present at conferences, and mentor students in data-driven cryosphere research.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Glaciology, Geophysics, Geography, Earth System Science or related field by start date.
- Expertise in remote sensing (Landsat, Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, ICESat-2) and open-source machine learning toolkits (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
- Experience with reanalysis datasets and ice sheet and/or climate models.
- Proficiency in Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and high-performance computing.
- Publication record and excellent communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Research experience related to ice sheet surface mass balance and hydrology.
- Familiarity with ice sheet models and intercomparison projects (e.g., ISMIP6, ISMIP7).
- Experience with collaborative multi-institution research.
Funding and Appointment Details
- We are ideally seeking one postdoctoral researcher to contribute to both projects.
- The position will start as soon as possible.
- Salary and benefits follow Pennsylvania State University guidelines.
- Travel support is included.
- Location: Department of Geography, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
How to apply
Application Materials
Submit a single PDF containing:
1. One-page cover letter outlining research interests and qualifications.
2. Current curriculum vitae.
3. Names and contact information of three references.
4. One representative publication (or presentation) in PDF format.
Application Deadline: September 24, 2025
Contact Information
Dr. Luke Trusel ([email protected])
Cryosphere & Climate Lab, Department of Geography
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
>Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
