Postdoctoral Research Associate

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The Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate for a seabed sensing research project focused on characterizing the upper-layer geoacoustic properties of deep-water seaoors. The position will support research involving acoustic sensing technologies, data analysis, model development, and signal processing techniques for seabed characterization.

The position is budgeted for an initial two-year period and may transition to a full-time Research Scientist or Research Faculty role upon successful completion. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be jointly advised by Drs. Larry Mayer, Anthony Lyons, Thomas Blanford, and John Hughes-Clarke and will function as part of a small interdisciplinary team of researchers from academia, industry, and government. The position is based at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping facility on the Durham, NH campus and may include opportunities to participate in at-sea experiments for further data collection and testing.

Duties/Responsibilities

Research & Analysis (90%)

• Develop new techniques to characterize the upper-layer geoacoustic properties of deep-water seafloors.

• Analyze field data collected from split-aperture echosounders, multibeam echosounders, synthetic aperture sonar systems, and scaled laboratory experiments.

• Develop and validate models for the acoustic scattering properties of mixed-composition seafloors.

• Use acoustic scattering models to identify signal processing strategies for seabed characterization.

• Develop algorithms to identify specific seabed characteristics.

• Conduct independent research related to underwater active acoustics and seabed sensing.

• Collaborate with researchers from academia, industry, and government as part of an interdisciplinary research team.

• Participate in field data collection and testing activities, which may include at-sea experiments.

• Present research findings at professional meetings and scientific conferences.

Collaboration and Reporting (10%)

• Assist with the preparation of progress reports, conference papers, and journal articles.

• Work closely with project investigators in the execution of sponsored research activities.

• Assist in mentoring students and staff working on related research activities.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Ph.D. in Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, Oceanography, Ocean Engineering, Geophysics, or a related field.

• Familiarity with underwater active acoustics.

• Experience with common acoustical signal processing techniques, including cross-spectra, auto-spectra, matched filtering, and related methods.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a group.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of underwater active acoustics and acoustic sensing systems.

• Knowledge of acoustical signal processing techniques.

• Ability to analyze and interpret acoustic datasets.

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to participate in field activities and at-sea experiments as required.

Preferred Qualications:

• Experience with split-aperture echosounders, multibeam echosounders, and/or synthetic aperture sonar systems.

• Experience developing acoustic scattering models.

• Experience applying acoustical signal processing techniques to seafloor characterization problems.

• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary research team.

• Experience conducting field- and laboratory-based research.

Applicant Instructions:

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application: (Maximum of 5 Documents)

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.

Compensation Pay Range:

$75,000/year

Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire's lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

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