We solicit applications for the position of postdoctoral or more senior research scholar to study the hydrogeology and natural history of Mpala Research Center (Kenya), a hub for biological and wildlife conservation research currently suffering from extreme drought. The successful candidate will be co-mentored by Prof. Elizabeth Niespolo (Geosciences) and Prof. Agustín Fuentes (Anthropology) at Princeton University in collaboration with Dr. Emmanuel Ndiema at the National Museums of Kenya. Research aims include geologic mapping, water and rock sampling, and geochemical assay of samples utilizing facilities at Mpala and Princeton. The successful candidate will have experience with geologic mapping, groundwater sampling, auger or other coring techniques, and basic soils characterization. Required technical skills include: water sampling (groundwater, surface waters, soil waters) for stable isotope analysis; use of GPS; and advanced use of Geographic Information Systems or other mapping software for interpreting geospatial data. Other additional skills of strong candidates include groundwater modeling, participation in drilling projects, advanced knowledge of soil science, and/or coordinating with government water resources management agencies. Experience running isotope analyzers (such as cavity ring-down spectroscopy instruments, and/or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers) is a plus but not required. The candidate will spend a significant amount of time at Mpala Research Center in Kenya for field work and some laboratory work, as well as time at Princeton (USA) to conduct laboratory work and interact with a rich and diverse array of scholars in the Departments of Geosciences and Anthropology, the High Meadows Environmental Institute, and beyond. The postdoc will also collaborate with other researchers in the field to conduct surveys related to geological, paleontological, archaeological, and other paleo-sciences projects - thus, prior interdisciplinary experience of this nature should be mentioned in the cover letter. There is potential to expand the study to the Turkana Basin, also experiencing extreme drought. Fluency in Swahili is not a requirement, but the candidate will be expected to learn basic Swahili.
Plus d’informations :
[Website Princeton University]