PhD and Postdoc Positions in Earth Sciences, Carbon Cycle, and Climate Mitigation at University of Connecticut University of Connecticut in United States

The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Connecticut (UConn) is seeking applications for both PhD and postdoctoral positions in the field of Earth system science, with a focus on the carbon cycle, climate mitigation, and marine sediment modeling. The research group, led by Assistant Professor Mojtaba Fakhraee, is engaged in projects that reconstruct and model the Earth's past and present carbon cycles, develop innovative approaches to carbon capture, and explore critical mineral extraction. These opportunities offer the chance to work at the intersection of fundamental Earth science and applied solutions for climate and sustainability challenges.

The PhD positions will involve research on reconstructing and modeling the Earth's carbon cycle, advancing understanding of the modern carbon cycle, and exploring new methods for carbon capture and mineral extraction. Students will gain experience in interdisciplinary research, modeling, and data analysis, contributing to solutions for global climate issues.

The postdoctoral position is part of a collaborative project between the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture and UConn, focusing on blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses. The postdoc will lead the development of sediment diagenetic and reactive-transport models to investigate alkalinity generation, carbon cycling, and geochemical feedbacks at the sediment–water interface. This work has direct implications for scalable and durable climate mitigation strategies, including ocean alkalinity enhancement and carbon dioxide removal.

Applicants for the postdoc role should have a strong background in modeling and computation, with proficiency in MATLAB and other programming languages (e.g., Python). Preferred qualifications include experience with sediment biogeochemistry, porewater chemistry, coastal systems, and familiarity with reactive-transport frameworks. Strong scientific writing skills are also valued. The appointment is for one year, renewable for up to two years based on performance, with a flexible start date.

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Mojtaba Fakhraee at [email protected], providing a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2–3 references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. For more information about the research group and ongoing projects, prospective PhD students are encouraged to reach out directly.