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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State (University Park, PA) announces an opening for an Associate Research Professor to contribute to and lead research on trace gas measurements and modeling. The successful candidate will contribute to projects targeted at understanding sources and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the earth system, especially emissions of GHGs from oil and gas production and urban systems, as well as trace gases that aid in GHG source attribution and which may impact human health. The successful candidate will lead data analyses intended to quantify emissions of these gases. The successful candidate will serve as co-investigator and lead investigator on externally funded research projects. The candidate will share leadership responsibilities within a highly collaborative research group.
Responsibilities:
· Lead analyses to estimate emissions using networks of GHG and other trace gas measurements.
· Develop, maintain, and improve methods for estimating emissions using atmospheric budgets and atmospheric inversions.
· Share leadership of the research group deploying, operating, and analyzing these trace gas emissions.
· Lead and contribute to publications based on these analyses and measurements.
· Serve as lead investigator and co-investigator, as appropriate, for externally funded research efforts related to these topics.
· Mentor or co-mentor postdoctoral fellows and graduate student researchers working in these areas.
Requirements:
· A graduate degree (Ph.D. or a master’s degree with comparable research experience is allowable) in atmospheric science or a related field.
· Five or more years of experience creating atmospheric inverse estimates of GHG emissions from oil and gas production and urban systems, preferably using ground-based observations of these gases.
· Expertise with numerical weather models, Lagrangian particle dispersion models and atmospheric inverse methods needed to create these flux estimates.
· Nationally-recognized expertise in atmospheric inversion and atmospheric budget-based emissions estimates and a strong record of publication in this field.
· Experience working with funding agencies and stakeholders including the DOE, EPA and private industry is highly desired.
· Strong communications and writing skills, ability to multi-task, and ability to work with a diverse array of multi-institutional collaborators.
· Demonstrated ability to mentor project graduate students.
· Demonstrated ability to contribute to leadership of a research group including sharing and leading project reporting responsibilities and coordinating research group computational resources.
· Ability and willingness to serve as principal investigator and co-investigator for funded research efforts.
Interested Candidates should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position and career goals, a CV including publication list, and names & contact information of up to three references. Review of applications will begin on 15 August 2026.
This position is funded for one year from the date of hire with the excellent possibility of renewal pending available funding and satisfactory performance.
The position will be available as early as 1 September 2026 and will remain open until filled. Salaries will be commensurate with education and experience.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
