SUMMER GEOBULLETIN
July 28, 2006


POSITIONS AVAILABLE
MENDENHALL POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP  ----- The next cycle (Fiscal year 2008) of the USGS Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program provides an opportunity to study groundwater dynamics and its effects on volcanism at Mount St. Helens.  Applications for Mendenhall postdocs must be received by the USGS by November 15, 2007.  Details regarding this and other Mendenhall postdoctoral opportunities, and specifically the application process and deadlines, can be found at http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc The link for the opportunity is http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/2008/opps/opp32.html     Groundwater plays a pivotal role in various volcanic processes that pose significant hazards.  The potential, say, for slope failure, lahar generation, and phreatic eruption is strongly dependent on the position of the water table within a volcanic edifice and interactions of groundwater and magma.  Transmission of fluid pressure, transport of mass and heat, and scrubbing of magmatic gasses are directly affected by groundwater position, abundance, and the time needed for water to advect through the system.  Despite the importance of groundwater to volcano hazards, there is little direct knowledge of hydrogeology of active volcanoes.  A comprehensive analysis of constrained hydrogeology and its effects on volcanic processes is lacking, chiefly because few drill holes exist on or near active volcanoes; hence, other methods are needed to gain insights on volcano hydrology.  Springs can provide information on groundwater dynamics in regions lacking wells, and may be well-suited for studying volcano hydrogeology.  At Mount St. Helens (MSH), numerous cold and hot springs surround the volcano at several elevations, and they afford an opportunity to study interactions of hydrogeological and volcanic processes at an active stratovolcano.   Seek a postdoctoral fellow to investigate the hydrogeological system at MSH using inferential methods and modeling, and to relate its dynamics to volcanic processes.   The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with USGS scientists with diverse disciplinary backgrounds as well as with USGS state-of the-art chemistry labs.   Questions regarding the specific opportunity described above can be directed to:  Jon Major ---- US Geological Survey ----- Cascades Volcano Observatory ----- jjmajor@usgs.gov 

ANSTO ------ Institute for Environmental Research ---- Menai, Australia ----- 3 new positions -----
1).  ISOTOPE HYDROLOGIST ---- Seek an enthusiastic and experienced scientist.  The successful candidate will have a PhD and at least three years experience in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Hydrogeochemistry or other related disciplines and will be expected to conduct a high quality research program in water resource studies. He/she will also have a strong record of independent research & publication and demonstrate evidence of strong research networking and leadership.  This appointment will be offered for an initial 3 year term, negotiable and potentially renewable subject to operational requirements.  To be eligible for engagement, applicants will require a medical and security assessment. Australian citizenship is desirable.  Selection criteria for this role can be found on our homepage at www.ansto.gov.au or by contacting Ms Lisa Papandreas on +61 2 9717 3900 or e-mail Lisa.Papandreas@ansto.gov.au Additional information on the requirements for the positions can be obtained from Dr Suzanne Hollins on +61 2 9717 3701 or e-mail Suzanne.Hollins@ansto.gov.au Your application must address the selection criteria, include a CV and the names of three professional referees and should be forwarded by e-mail or mail to Ms Lisa Papandreas, Institute for Environmental Research, ANSTO, PMB 1, Menai NSW 2234.  Applications close 7 August 2006
2).  HYDROLOGIST / HYDROGEOCHEMIST ----- The successful candidates will have a PhD and at least three years experience in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Hydrogeochemistry or other related disciplines and will be expected to conduct a high quality research program in water resource studies. He/she will also have a strong record of independent research & publication and demonstrate evidence of strong research networking and leadership.  This appointment will be offered for an initial three-year term, negotiable and potentially renewable subject to operational requirements. To be eligible for engagement, applicants will require a medical and security assessment. Australian citizenship is desirable.  Selection criteria for this role can be found on our homepage at www.ansto.gov.au or by contacting Ms Lisa Papandreas on +61 2 9717 3900 or e-mail Lisa.Papandreas@ansto.gov.au Additional information on the requirements for the position can be obtained from Dr Suzanne Hollins on +61 2 9717 3701 or e-mail Suzanne.Hollins@ansto.gov.au Your application must address the selection criteria, include a CV and the names of three professional referees and should be forwarded by e-mail or mail to Ms Lisa Papandreas, Institute for Environmental Research, ANSTO, PMB 1, Menai NSW 2234.  Applications close 7 August 2006. 
3).  POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW ----- Looking for a postdoctoral research fellow who has recently acquired a PhD in Geoscience, Environmental Engineering, Physics, or a related field. The successful candidate will have a strong innovation focus, good communication skills and a proven publication record.  The candidate will undertake research in one or more of the following areas of water resource studies: (1) rainfall-runoff-recharge water balance studies, lake and reservoir water balance studies; (2) groundwater flow & mass transport modelling in porous & fractured medium; (3) application of stable and radioactive isotope tracers in water resource investigations; (4) aquifer sustainability and groundwater dating techniques.  This appointment will be offered for an initial two-year term. An attractive salary package will be offered depending on qualifications and experience. To be eligible for engagement, applicants will require a medical and security assessment.  Selection criteria for this role can be found on our homepage at www.ansto.gov.au or by contacting Ms Lisa Papandreas on +61 2 9717 3900 or e-mail Lisa.Papandreas@ansto.gov.au Additional information on the requirements for the position can be obtained from Dr Suzanne Hollins on +61 2 9717 3701 or e-mail Suzanne.Hollins@ansto.gov.au Your application must address the selection criteria, include a CV and the names of three professional referees and should be forwarded by e-mail or mail to Ms Lisa Papandreas, Institute for Environmental Research, ANSTO, PMB 1, Menai NSW 2234.  Applications close: 7 August 2006

The University of Nebraska  ------ Water Sciences Laboratory seeks an Isotope Scientist to provide expertise and oversight for high precision isotopic analyses. Responsibilities include leading development and application of advanced methods for analyses of light stable isotopes of nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and carbon of samples using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS).  Develop procedures and perform sample preparation using distillation, high vacuum, and automated sample preparations systems.  Operate, maintain, repair and train others to use preparation and mass spectrometers according to instrument and laboratory requirements.   Bachelor's degree in water sciences, analytical chemistry, geosciences or closely related field plus three years experience in a research setting;  equivalency considered. Master's preferred. Knowledge of analytical and stable isotope chemistry and skills in preparing and following standard procedures essential. Ability to safely handle hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals necessary.  Experience developing analytical methods and writing reports and procedures preferred.  More information about the facility is available at http://waterscience.unl.edu Review of resumes will begin August 28, 2006 and continue until position is filled. Apply at http://employment.unl.edu and search for Requisition Number 060454. Create application or "login" and review/edit existing application. Click "Apply for this position" button at the top or bottom of the page. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter and references in three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format. For questions or accommodations related to this position contact Dr. Dan Snow at 402-472-7539 or e-mail: dsnow1@unl.edu

Queen's University Belfast ----- Two funded PDRA positions in the EERC-ETL.  www.jobs.ac.uk&n bsp; School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering  ---- Closing date for both - 4.00 p.m. on Friday 4 August 2006
1).  Research Fellow ---- Ref: 06/W470B ----- Available initially for three years with possibility of extension to five years, to carry out day-to-day laboratory management and research and development in the Environmental Tracers Laboratory of the Environmental Engineering Research Centre related to the advancement of the use of natural and applied tracers for the investigation and characterisation of environmental and engineering systems.
2).  Research Fellow ---- Ref: 06/ W434B ----- Available until March 2008, to carry out research and development in the Environmental Tracers Laboratory of the Environmental Engineering Research Centre related to the use of carbon isotope systematics data within standard risk assessment approaches for contaminated land and intrinsic biodegradation/natural attenuation assessment for contaminants.
Please visit the website for further information and to download the application packs - www.qub.ac.uk. Alternatively contact: Personnel Department, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN. Tel +44 (0)28 90973044 or (answering machine) (0)28 90973854. Fax on +44 (0)28 90971020. E-mail on personnel@qub.ac.uk.