Jobs:Job-02022
Start reviewing process: 12 April 2026
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Posting:
Position: PhD position
Start reviewing process: 12 April 2026
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COASTal Dynamics Lab at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The UAF COASTal Dynamics Lab (Cryosphere, Ocean, and STream Lab) researches ocean-land-ice interactions, focusing on river-marine transitions, shelf circulation, and the role of human impacts. By differentiating effects of climate change, natural variability, and the built environment in high latitudes, our research advances our scientific understanding of coastal hazards (flooding/erosion), global warming impacts, and predicting environmental change. We work with and equip indigenous/local communities to steward their own lands and seas. The COASTal Dynamics Lab is in the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (uaf.edu/cfos) and a part of the UAF Sea Ice Group (seaice.alaska.edu). The lab is led by Dr. Steven Dykstra and currently has 2 PhD students, 1 MS student, and a postdoctoral researcher. We have our own lab space in Fairbanks, AK with multiple shared spaces on campus and throughout the state. We are currently looking for students to research high latitude estuary and shelf processes, for example:
- Differentiating how climate change, natural variability, and direct human impacts are changing coastal hazards through time
- How ice affects tides, circulation, and salt intrusion in estuaries
- The role of tide-river-storm surge interactions on channel morphodynamics and backwater effects in America’s longest tidal river (Kuskowkim River)
- Topobathy LiDAR acquisition and associated research support (e.g., turbidity dynamics through space and time)
- Wind wave mechanics on Arctic beaches using observations and modeling (e.g., XBeach)
Prospective students will join a research project with other collaborators and patriciate in broader lab activities. Funding for the two PhD Research Assistantships are provided through the USACoE and UAF and requires that ONE of the students applies by March 29, starts by August 2026, and is a US Citizen. The other position is more flexible. The prospective students must have a BS (MS preferred) with a strong math background and related science coursework (e.g., engineering, physics, math, geology, oceanography). They should also have an adventurous spirit, be self-motivated with curiosity, and be comfortable working in remote places on boats and with an armed guard (for polar bears). Experience in data analysis, GIS, and coding is desired. Positions are based in Fairbanks, Alaska. Application reviews will begin immediately.
An additional 12 PhD Research Assistantships are available through the NSF funded CFOS EMERGE Program to prospective students interested in joining the COASTal Dynamics Lab or any other UAF CFOS faculty. If you qualify, please let us know. https://www.uaf.edu/cfos/academics/emerge-alaska/index.php
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://forms.gle/YTCSuiLGXQRnNSey5
Please direct questions to Dr. Steven Dykstra (sdykstra@alaska.edu)
https://www.uaf.edu/cfos/people/faculty/detail/steven-dykstra.php