Stratigraphy Assistant Scientist

University of Kansas, United States

Updated: 3 months ago

26664BR

Kansas Geological Survey


Position Overview

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), which is a dedicated research center of the University of Kansas (KU), seeks a qualified candidate with expertise in clastic stratigraphy to join the Energy and Stratigraphy Division.  The individual in this position will develop and lead a field-oriented research program centered around the study of clastic depositional systems. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in geological mapping at regional and local scales and the ability to apply those techniques in ways that benefit a diverse stakeholder community.

“Scientists” at the KGS are hard-funded, faculty-equivalent academic staff with sabbatical eligibility. Scientific staff are expected to develop research programs that are of international stature and highly relevant to Kansas. They are subject to standards similar to academic faculty in terms of research and development of external funding. Scientific staff can also teach and serve as advisors of graduate research; courtesy appointments with one or more academic departments are common.

About the KGS and KU:
The KGS is a research and service center at KU that conducts fundamental and applied research. Special emphasis is given to applications and insights for the State of Kansas. Within the KGS, the Energy and Stratigraphy Division conducts research on surficial and subsurface resources. The Energy and Stratigraphy Division has ~20 individuals including five full-time scientists, technical support personnel, graduate students, and postdocs.  The Energy and Stratigraphy Division assembles technical information and conducts scientific studies leading to an improved understanding of Kansas’ stratigraphic and energy resources.

The KGS is located on the KU campus amidst the rolling hills of Lawrence, Kansas. KU is an international, R1 research university, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and Big 12 conference, and the flagship university for the state of Kansas. KU has a subsurface energy and stratigraphic research community spread across campus with many opportunities for collaboration, including with the Departments of Geology; Geography and Atmospheric Science; Civil, Petroleum, and Environmental Engineering; Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; and the Kansas Biological Survey. Lawrence is an eclectic town of ~100,000 people along the banks of the beautiful Kansas River with an excellent cultural scene, historic downtown, cutting-edge library, farmers market, and many delicious restaurants. Outdoor opportunities around town including biking, hiking, and boating.

Review begins January 16, 2024.


Job Description

(85%) Research
Develop and lead a research program with an emphasis on clastic stratigraphy.  This will include aquifer architecture where groundwater resources are associated with clastic reservoirs in Kansas.  Conduct fundamental and applied research on paleoenvironments in the clastic sedimentary rock record. Communicate the results of research in peer-reviewed publications and to both scientific and non-technical audiences. Develop research proposals for external funding.  The individual will assume duties as a lead mapper for the Kansas STATEMAP program and participate in other grant projects as needed.  Support KGS efforts in the areas of technical service and communication, education, and public information; interact with public, university, government, and industry; participate in professional scientific and industrial organizations. 

(15%) Service
Service to the institution, university, and discipline such as: serve on University and KGS committees and organizations as assigned or in response to opportunities; participate with other KGS personnel in professional and governmental organizations that deal with Kansas and regional concerns; work with students and visiting scientists when it complements and enhances research programs.  The successful candidate will also participate in additional University service activities as appropriate.


Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. degree in Geology/Earth Science with a focus on clastic stratigraphy, paleoclimates, and/or paleoenvironments. Degree must be completed prior to appointment start date.
  • Experience conducting field research, including the application of chemostratigraphic, geochronologic, and/or stable isotopic methods.
  • Strong quantitative background working with large datasets and demonstrated commitment to collaborative research.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide scientific leadership in research.
  • Demonstrated experience generating detailed core and outcrop section descriptions.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced by a record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations.

    • Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in depositional systems and/or vertebrate paleontology as pertains to the Cretaceous in the US midcontinent.
  • Experience working with aggregates for road and building materials.
  • Published geologic maps using traditional methods and modern GIS applications.
  • Prior experience with federally funded mapping programs (e.g., STATEMAP and EDMAP).
  • Experience writing successful grant applications.
  • Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of subsurface, remote sensing, well logs, and other datasets.

    • Contact Information to Applicants

    For additional position information contact:
    Rolfe Mandel, [email protected]

    For HR questions or information contact:
    Annette Delaney, [email protected] , 785-864-2152


    Additional Candidate Instruction

    A complete online application consists of:

    • Cover letter detailing research experience, interests, and how the candidate meets the required and preferred qualifications (not to exceed 3 pages)
    • Full C.V.
    • A peer-reviewed publication the applicant believes showcases their research interests and expertise.
    • Contact information for 3 professional references (include relationship to reference).

    Review begins January 17, 2024 and continues until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. For priority consideration, please apply by the review date. 

    #LI-HR1


    Application Review Begins

    16-Jan-2024


    Anticipated Start Date

    19-Feb-2024


    Unit

    Energy & Stratigraphy Division


    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus


    Advertised Salary Range

    Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.


    Employee Class

    A-Unclassified Academic Staff


    Disclaimer

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.


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