Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Job Description

University of South Florida, College of Marine Science (USF/CMS) invites applicants for a two-year, full-time Postdoctoral Researcher beginning April 1, 2027. The marine geology and geochemistry project is led by Prof. Jacqueline Dixon. The successful candidate will participate in a funded research cruise to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge south of the Bight Fracture Zone (~57°N) to investigate off-axis volcanoes and to perform major, trace, and volatile element geochemical analyses on oceanic basalt samples.


Project Overview: Large buoyant mantle upwellings associated with prominent gravity anomalies (MBAs - mantle Bouguer anomalies) are thought to occur within a deep, low-viscosity, damp melting interval, where volatile- and incompatible element-rich melts form and are efficiently transported to the surface through reactive flow channels. Our cruise, tentatively scheduled for June 2027, will map and sample a subset of off-axis volcanoes and axial rift sites south of the Bight Fracture Zone to investigate variations in volcanism relative to the Bight MBA. We will characterize the structure, morphology, and composition of these off-axis volcanoes using high resolution mapping with AUV Sentry combined with in situ sampling using the new mROV. The sampled lavas will undergo a full suite of geochemical analyses, including major, trace, and volatile concentrations (USF), noble gases (WHOI), and radiogenic isotopic (USC) compositions. Spatially-resolved geochemical, volcanological, and geophysical data will test models for magmatic accretion differences across the Bight transform, constrain the distribution of mantle components, test the role of volatiles in volcano morphology and eruption dynamics, and help explain why seamounts are so abundant in this area.

Responsibilities

Research Responsibilities: Focus of the postdoctoral researcher's work will be to participate in the proposed cruise, to perform petrographic and geochemical analysis of collected basalt samples, and to interpret and disseminate results. Under supervision of Dixon and other PIs, the postdoctoral researcher will have primary responsibility for analysis of major, trace, and volatile elements using electron microprobe, ICP-MS, FTIR, and SIMS. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with graduates students at USF, University of South Carolina, and University of Iceland for integration and interpretation of the resulting data.


Career Development: The successful candidate will be expected to present research results at national and international scientific meetings, lead the publication of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals, and participate in the preparation of at least one NSF proposal. USF has an Office of Postdoctoral Affairs managed by USF Graduate Studies. The postdoctoral researcher will be encouraged to attend workshops/seminars on Developing Individual Development Plan (IDP) and preparing teaching/research statements.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications: PhD in the field of igneous geochemistry. Experience in using at least one analytical technique, including electron microprobe, ICP-MS, FTIR, and SIMS. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Postdoctoral Fellow.

Preferred qualifications: Experience in using and instrument development of more than one analytical technique. Sea-going experience. Publication resulting from PhD research.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

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The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.