Position Description

The Aho Lab in the Department of Biology at Boston University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Aquatic Biogeochemistry. This position will advance understanding of small-stream ecosystem metabolism and its role in regulating lotic carbon cycling and greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics. The project emphasizes integration of ecosystem metabolism, gas exchange, and dissolved greenhouse gas dynamics in streams and rivers.

Research Focus

The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in a research program aimed at quantifying stream metabolism and linking metabolic processes to lotic CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O dynamics. The position will primarily leverage data from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), including high-frequency dissolved oxygen time-series data, multi-year observations of greenhouse gas (CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O) concentrations, hydrologic records, and complementary environmental datasets collected across the United States.

The successful candidate will contribute to two closely linked research efforts:

1.      A collaborative effort to estimate small-stream metabolism and connect these estimates to carbon cycling and greenhouse gas dynamics, with particular attention to resolving uncertainties associated with gas exchange and linking metabolic balance to greenhouse gas emissions across sites; and

2.      A contracted analytical program to quantify surface dissolved greenhouse gases from NEON freshwater sites nationwide, conducted in the Aho Lab.

Together, these efforts provide a unique opportunity to integrate ecosystem modeling, empirical gas measurements, and large-scale environmental data science to better constrain the role of small streams in continental-scale carbon budgets.

In addition to working closely with Dr. Kelly Aho, the postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with investigators at other academic institutions and at NEON, contributing to large, open, continental-scale ecological research initiatives. There will also be opportunities to participate in complementary field and laboratory efforts, depending on the candidate’s interests, expertise, and ongoing projects in the Aho Lab.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will spend the majority of their time (approximately 75–80%) on research activities, including:

• Working with large, observational datasets (e.g., NEON) using reproducible, open-science workflows
• Estimating stream metabolism (e.g., GPP, ER) across diverse streams and rivers
• Integrating stream metabolism estimates with observations of dissolved greenhouse gas concentrations and fluxes
• Contributing to and helping oversee laboratory analysis and quality control of NEON surface dissolved gas samples
• Leading and co-authoring peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Collaborating with internal and external research partners on synthesis-oriented projects

The remaining time may include:

• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers in the Aho Lab
• Assisting with other ongoing laboratory analyses and field campaigns
• Contributing to grant development and proposal writing
• Participating in lab meetings, departmental seminars, and professional development opportunities

Appointment Details

• Start date: Flexible (Summer 2026 preferred)
• Duration: One year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional one to two years, contingent on performance and funding
• Position type: Full-time, benefits-eligible
• Location: Boston University, Charles River Campus

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience, with full university benefits.  The salary range is $67,500 - $75,000.

Required Qualifications

• PhD (completed by start date) in ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental science, hydrology, or a closely related field
• Strong quantitative skills and experience working with environmental data
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish in peer-reviewed journals

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in R (or similar programming languages) for data analysis, modeling, and visualization
• Familiarity with NEON data products or other large environmental datasets
• Familiarity with stream metabolism modeling, air-water gas exchange, and/or greenhouse gas emissions
• Interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary research

Application Process

Applicants should submit via https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31894:

1. A cover letter describing research interests and how they align with the position
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information for three references

Review of applications will begin April 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Dr. Kelly Aho (kellyaho@bu.edu)
Department of Biology, Boston University

About the Aho Lab

The Aho Lab investigates carbon and nitrogen cycling in freshwater ecosystems, with a focus on greenhouse gas production in and emissions from streams and rivers. The lab leverages novel field observations, environmental data science, and statistical and process-based models to build a predictive understanding of the role of streams and rivers in the carbon and nitrogen cycle. This research is relevant to aquatic ecology, carbon and nitrogen cycle models, and greenhouse gas budgets.

About Boston University

Boston University offers a highly collaborative research environment, strong institutional support for open science, and access to a vibrant academic community in the greater Boston area.

Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas.

We seek scholars who will contribute to our community of teachers and researchers through excellence in innovative scholarship, engaged teaching, and participation in the intellectual life of the University. Boston University provides an environment where faculty and students work together across disciplines, perspectives, and experiences to advance knowledge and address society’s most pressing challenges.

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Retaliation is also prohibited. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.  Under Massachusetts law, we may not require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Boston University, consistent with the AAU’s Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment, conducts background checks for final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. As part of this process, we ask current and past employers of the last seven years whether there has been a substantiated finding of sexual misconduct under their policies. To move forward, final candidates must complete and sign an “Authorization to Release Information” form after receiving an offer to enable this background check.