Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department: College of Science

Classification: Post Doc 12 month

Job Category: Postdoctoral Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

In line with Mason’s Carnegie Classification as a Research I University (R1), the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences (AOES) at George Mason University focuses on being a prominent center for translational research. Faculty and students in the department conduct high quality, rigorous research on pressing problems, and work to disseminate knowledge in both academic and non-academic circles. The department offers undergraduate degrees in Geology and Atmospheric Sciences, M.S. degrees in Earth Systems Science and Climate Science, and a Ph.D. in Climate Dynamics. The faculty includes geologists, atmospheric scientists, paleontologists, and oceanographers. Additional information about the department may be found at: https://science.gmu.edu/academics/departments-units/atmospheric-oceanic-earth-sciences.

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position:

This position is for a Postdoctoral Researcher who conducts research under the recently funded project: “Disentangling paleoclimate signals with individual foraminiferal analyses from a new record of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum”. The Postdoctoral Researcher is responsible for conducting several geochemical and micropaleontological analyses to support the project aims. Key responsibilities include: 1) Identification and preparation of Paleogene-age fossil foraminiferal specimens for trace element and stable isotope geochemical analyses, 2) Geochemical analysis of fossil foraminifera, data processing and visualization, interpretation of results, and preparation of manuscripts and conference presentations, 3) Processing of microCT data from scans of fossil foraminifera, and 4) Interpretation of multi-proxy records from deep sea sediments and collaboration with co-investigators at Utah State University and Oklahoma State University. Funding is available to support two years of the position, with reappointment in year 2 of the project contingent upon performance in year 1.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts research to support the aims of the recently funded project "Disentangling paleoclimate signals with individual foraminiferal analyses from a new record of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum" including 1) geochemical and micropaleontological analyses, 2) data analysis, visualization, and interpretation, and 3) preparation of manuscripts and conference presentations;
• Contributes to activities related to advancing research in the PI Hupp’s laboratory; and
• Participates in relevant professional development opportunities to further support career development.

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field;
• PhD in Geology or related field by start of the postdoctoral position;
• Experience working with foraminifera;
• Experience working in a laboratory setting; and
• Knowledge of deep sea sedimentary processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with scientific ocean drilling materials;
• Knowledge of Paleogene paleoceanography; and
• Ability to integrate geochemical and micropaleontological proxies to interpret past ocean conditions.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and updated CV for review.

Posting Open Date:  September 10, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  October 8, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes