Postdoctoral Associate on Mapping Land Deformation from Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite Imagery

Job Description The postdoctoral researcher will work at the Hydrologic Innovation and Remote Sensing and the Earth Observation Innovation Lab of the Geoscience Department, Virginia Tech. The externally funded research includes application of multiple remote sensing technologies for quantification of water resources and related hazards, including water overdraft, land subsidence, flooding, and droughts. The candidate will produce maps of land deformation from Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite imagery and analyze the data together with complementary remote-sensing and in-situ datasets. The candidate will apply a suite of statistical and physical models for integrating observations of different accuracies, improving predictions of future hazards. The work will further include research, writing publications, writing grant proposals, attending national conferences, mentoring students, academic exchange inside VT and with national institutions from the field. Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, Geodesy, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, Civil & Environmental Engineering, or a related field. PhD awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining. Strong skills in technical programming languages, e.g., Matlab, Python, or C++; in computational statistics, i.e., unsupervised and supervised ML methods, incl. deep learning. Experience with at least two of the following: remote sensing of surface and ground water resources, analysis of satellite gravimetry (GRACE) data, analysis of radar and optical remote sensing, poromechanical modeling, and elastic crustal load modeling. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of Remote sensing of surface water quality, numerical modeling, GIS, leadership and advising skills, teaching, & writing experience.

Overtime Status :

Exempt:

Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type :

Restricted Salary Information :

$58,000-$62,000 Hours per week : 40 hours/week - exempt position

Review Date :

May 1,2026

Additional Information :

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Sharon Collins at sharon72@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.