Job Listings

Postdoctoral Research Associate I

Company:
The University of Arizona
Job Location:
Tucson, Arizona
Category:
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Type:
Full-Time

Posting Number: req20789

Department: Hydrology & Atmospheric Sci

Location: Main Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Arizona invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. This successful candidate will participate in an interdisciplinary project that aligns with the goals of the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to state-of-the-art research that integrates an innovative irrigated crop module into the USGS pywatershed-MODFLOW 6 framework. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in modeling the impact of extreme weather events on crop-water dynamics, improving irrigation forecasting, and contributing critical insights into water resource management in arid and semi-arid regions.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will work
in the SONG BIO-ESM lab and collaborate closely with a
team of experts from the University
of Arizona and Arizona State University. Key
responsibilities include:

  • Advance the irrigated crops parameterization and irrigation water use in the USGS pywatershed-MODFLOW framework.
  • Conduct model validation and assessment using multi-scale and multi-source fluxes data.
  • Develop datasets to refine USGS water use estimates in the upper Colorado River Basin.
  • Lead and contribute to academic publications, presentations, and educational outreach related to the project.
  • Collaborate with USGS and CIROH communities to share insights and methodologies developed through the project.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Agriculture-hydrology-climate interaction: Strong understanding of crops-climate feedback, agricultural water resource management, hydrology, climate science, or a related field.
  • Modeling skills: Proficiency in land surface modeling, terrestrial ecosystem modeling, or hydrologic modeling, with skills in data-model integration, model development, and application.
  • Computational skills: Proficiency in computational programming (e.g., Fortran, python) in HPC environments.
  • Artificial Intelligence knowledge: Proficiency in AI technology, with knowledge in applying AI methods for parameter optimization, will be considered a plus but not necessary.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration: Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of scholarly publications relevant to the job responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, Hydrology, Earth System Science,
    Environmental Engineering, Water Resource Management, or a closely related field.
    The selected candidate must have a conferred Ph.D. upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in MODFLOW or similar frameworks.
  • FLSA: Exempt

    Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

    Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

    Job FTE: 1.0

    Work Calendar: Fiscal

    Job Category: Research

    Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

    Rate of Pay: DOE

    Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

    Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

    Number of Vacancies: 1

    Contact Information for Candidates

    If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Yang Song at chopinsong@arizona.edu.

    Open Until Filled: Yes

    Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

    Special Instructions to Applicant

    Please attach the following to your application:
    • A cover letter summarizing relevant research experience and interests.
    • A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).

    • A sample of relevant scholarly work (e.g., a published paper or dissertation chapter) combined into one attachment.

    Diversity Statement

    At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

    Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

    In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
    Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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