Postdoctoral Fellow in Water Systems

Job Posting Title :

Postdoctoral Fellow in Water Systems

Hiring Department :

Bureau of Economic Geology

Position Open To : All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours :

FLSA Status :

Exempt

Earliest Start Date :

Immediately

Position Duration :

Expected to Continue Until Sep 15, 2025

Location :

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Job Details : General Notes

This position, located at J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin, is suitable for a researcher with a strong and multifaceted background in hydro / geology, numerical / analytical modeling, and data management / analytics

Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a postdoctoral fellow position within the Bureau's hydro / geology research group (term subject to performance and research program needs / funding) to assist with a new research program assessing Texas water resources and systems. This position will be a key member of a team largely focused on conducting a research program intended to assemble and synthesize a full suite of Texas water resource / system data in order to : (a) assess the impact of historical drought on water resources / systems, (b) consider prospective drought scenario impacts, and (c) evaluate drought risk and resilience. This research program is anticipated to yield significant insights for Texas water resource management and planning processes as well as to provide a strong foundation for further research projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform research in the hydro / geology field, including analysis and interpretation of large datasets using various analytical, statistical, and numerical techniques
• Contribute to the publication of scientific papers, present findings at scholarly meetings and to stakeholders.
• Collaborate and coordinate with research program team members and participate in program development through proposals and other fund raising.
• Provide support and service as needed to supervisor, the Bureau, and the Jackson School in addition to other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Earth Science (e.g. Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Geology, Geography), Civil Engineering, or closely related field. Demonstrated experience and aptitude in a hydro / geology context with : (a) data analytics, wrangling, management, and synthesis, (b) numerical and analytical modeling environments (e.g. Python), and (c) geoprocessing and GIS analytics. Demonstrated ability to effectively disseminate research project results to professional peers and meet deadlines. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Professional demeanor, excellent interpersonal skills, and superb written and oral communication skills.

Ph.D. must have been obtained within 3 years from the date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Aptitude and experience with : (a) assembling and synthesizing disparate water-related datasets, (b) artificial intelligence / machine learning techniques applied to hydrology / hydrogeology, (c) hydrogeology, (d) groundwater modeling environments (e.g. MODFLOW, FlowPy), (e) surface water flow and appropriation projections, and (f) drought metrics development. Familiarity with Texas surface water and groundwater resources (i.e. aquifers, river basins, reservoirs, etc.) Experience working within an integrated team of scientists, engineers, and economists in a dynamic environment.

Salary Range

65,000 depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

Required Materials

Employment Eligibility :

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Retirement Plan Eligibility :

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks :

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer :

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency :

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification :

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify :

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following :

Compliance :

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Salary : $65,000