The Climate Systems Engineering Initiative (CSEi, Director: Prof. David Keith), a component of the University of Chicago’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, is accepting applications for a postdoctoral scholar to join an interdisciplinary research team to develop strategies for engineered intervention into ice sheet and glacier mass loss. The overarching objective of the research is to evaluate plausibility, practicality and unintended, unforeseen consequences of engineering schemes that may help to inhibit rapid sea-level rise caused by past and future greenhouse gas emissions. The position is transparently funded, will be mentored by Prof. Emeritus Douglas MacAyeal, and will feature the rich intellectual partnership within the CSEi scientific community, the Department of Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago, and the University of Chicago at large. The impact of the research is intended to amplify knowledge of the dangers of climate change to human infrastructure worldwide and across cultures, and to emphasize that the most appropriate action for humankind is to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.
The specific emphasis of the research will be to develop intervention strategies to protect floating ice shelves in Antarctica and Greenland from loss of buttressing capacity caused by ocean heat transport and basal melting, and by weakening of natural buttressing associated with ice rises and coastal shear zones (see summary of glacial interventions here). Interventions into grounding line processes, such as tidal mixing fronts and plume source dynamics, will also be explored. The broad outline of research opportunities and frontiers envisioned for the postdoctoral research is described in a white paper (opinion article) developed by CSEi in the wake of a field-building workshop attended by a diverse cross-section of glaciologists and engineers in October of 2023. This white paper articulates research directions more generally and includes a description of research that is currently advanced by partner institutions such as the UArctic Frozen Arctic Conservation Initiative, the Arête Glacier Initiative and the Ice Preservation Initiative. As articulated in the white paper, the evaluation of the effectiveness of glacial intervention strategies must include the identification of worst-case outcomes, a process called “pessimization.” This process is a necessary component that maintains the scientific rigor of the research and is intended to suppress false or misleading interpretation of results gained through scientific and engineering practices.
Review of applications will begin on 30 September, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible but is expected to be before June 2026. Applicants are expected to be within 5 years after receiving their PhD degree in glaciology, oceanography, climate science, or a closely related field. This is an in-person, full-time position at the University of Chicago, hired through the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and working in close collaboration with the Department of Geophysical Sciences. This position includes a starting salary of $80k with benefits, support for relocation expenses (reimbursement up to $1,000 for relocation within North America, $1,500 for relocation from Europe and South American, and $2,000 for relocation from other locations), and an annual research and travel budget of a $10k. Information regarding benefits can be found here: https://clients.garnett-powers.com/pd/uchicago/.
The position’s duration is for a one-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for up to two additional years, contingent on satisfactory progress. Please note that since the University limits postdoctoral positions to those who are seven years or fewer beyond the attainment of their doctoral degree, a candidate who is at five years post-degree upon starting the role would be limited to a maximum of two years in the position. While the start date can be flexible, the position will become available from January 2026 and will remain open until filled.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Glaciology, Oceanography, Climate Science, Engineering, or related fields.
- Familiarity with glacial intervention strategies (such as outlined in this white paper, and by the UArctic library of climate interventions to actively conserve Earth’s cold regions).
- Experience working with glaciological datasets.
- Proficiency and experience with numerical modeling involving glaciological, oceanographic and geotechnical systems.
- Ability to rapidly learn unfamiliar numerical simulation software such as community-developed ocean circulation and ice-flow models, COMSOL finite-element multiphysics package, and other research tools.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Good communication and scientific writing skills.
- A record of dissemination through publication and scientific meeting attendance.
- Attraction to the intellectual and social interactions within a diverse research community.
Applications:
To apply, please email Macol Cerda (macol@uchicago.edu) with the following:
(1) Curriculum vitae.
(2) Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing research interests, plans, and qualifications.
(3) The names and contact information of two references.
Please use the subject line “Postdoc Position in Glacial Intervention.” Applications will be reviewed starting on September 30, 2025, on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.
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Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.