Graduate Students

I welcome applications from motivated students interested in paleoclimate science. Through the Paleoclimate Dynamics Laboratory at Northern Arizona University, I offer opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to engage in cutting-edge paleoclimate research.

Current Opportunities

PhD Position: Paleoclimate Data Assimilation for North American Ecosystem Research

Funding: NSF-funded project
Duration: 4 years
Start Date: Spring or Fall 2026

Project Overview

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join an exciting new NSF-funded project led by Jack Williams at the University of Wisconsin, with NAU as a partner institution. This interdisciplinary project aims to understand how ecosystems respond to climate change by studying past climate-ecosystem relationships from the Last Glacial Maximum to present.

Your Role at NAU

Working with Dr. McKay and collaborator Dr. Michael Erb (Appalachian State University), you will lead the development of cutting-edge paleoclimate reconstructions for North America using paleoclimate data assimilation (PDA). This innovative approach combines:

• Proxy records (lake sediments, speleothems, ice cores, etc.) with
• Physics-based climate models to create spatially complete reconstructions
• Statistical downscaling techniques for ecological applications

What is Paleoclimate Data Assimilation?

PDA uses a Kalman filter approach to optimally combine proxy observations with climate model simulations. The method:

• Starts with an ensemble of climate model states
• Compares model output with proxy data using statistical relationships
• Updates reconstructions to better match observations
• Spreads information across space and time using model covariance patterns

This approach overcomes limitations of proxy-only or model-only reconstructions.

Research Opportunities

• Develop custom paleoclimate reconstructions for ecological research
• Work with state-of-the-art data assimilation techniques
• Collaborate with leading researchers across multiple institutions
• Contribute to climate change policy and conservation science
• Publish in high-impact journals

Ideal Candidate

• Strong background in Earth sciences, climate science, or related field
• Interest in quantitative methods and statistical analysis
• Experience with programming (R, Python)
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Excellent communication skills

How to Apply

Contact Dr. McKay directly with your CV, research interests, and a brief statement of why this project appeals to you. Early inquiries are encouraged as the position will be filled for either Spring or Fall 2026.

We are also always interested in hearing from motivated potential students and collaborators for other projects.

General Information for Prospective Students

Graduate Programs at NAU

Ph.D. Programs:

• Ph.D in Earth Sciences & Environmental Sustainability – Climate and Environmental Change emphasis
• Ph.D. in Informatics and Computing - Environmental Informatics emphasis

Master’s Programs:

• M.S. in Geology
• M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy

Research Areas

Students working with me typically work on projects related to:

• Paleoclimate record development using lake sediments and other natural archives
• Process-based modeling of climate-proxy relationships
• Paleoclimate synthesis and data-model comparison
• Paleoclimate informatics and data standardization

Skills and Background

Successful students typically have backgrounds in:

• Earth sciences, environmental science, geography, or related fields
• Quantitative analysis and statistics (R, Python, MATLAB)
• Interest in fieldwork and laboratory analysis
• Strong written and oral communication skills

How to Apply

For Graduate Students

1. Contact Dr. McKay directly with:

   • Your research interests and career goals
   • CV or resume
   • Unofficial transcripts
   • Brief description of relevant experience

2. Formal Application to NAU graduate programs:

   • Apply through the appropriate NAU graduate program
   • Mention Dr. McKay as your preferred advisor
   • Include GRE scores (if required by program)
   • Provide letters of recommendation

For Postdocs and Visiting Scientists

• Contact Dr. McKay directly to discuss potential collaborations
• Include CV, research statement, and references
• Funding opportunities may be available through NSF, NASA, and other agencies

For Undergraduate Students

• NAU undergraduates can contact Dr. McKay about research opportunities
• Summer research programs (REU) are occasionally available
• Independent study and thesis projects are possible

Contact Information

Dr. Nicholas McKay
Professor
School of Earth and Sustainability
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011

Email: nicholas.mckay@nau.edu

About Northern Arizona University

NAU is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, at 7,000 feet elevation in the Colorado Plateau. The location provides easy access to diverse field sites including:

• High-elevation lakes in the San Juan Mountains (Colorado)
• Desert and montane ecosystems
• Colorado River basin

Flagstaff offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities and is home to Lowell Observatory and the U.S. Geological Survey Flagstaff Field Center.

Ready to join our research team? We’d love to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about research opportunities, graduate programs, or life in Flagstaff.