Flood Hazards Research Scientist — Field & Modeling

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a Research Scientist to lead flood and coastal hazards research within the Mason Flood Hazards Research Lab. The role combines numerical modeling, geospatial analysis, and field monitoring across Arctic Alaska and Virginia/Maryland communities, contributing to sponsored projects and graduate student supervision.

The position emphasizes developing and applying advanced models (ADCIRC+SWAN, 2D flood models), co-producing adaptation strategies with Indigenous and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in civil, coastal, or environmental engineering; geography; earth, ocean, or atmospheric science; or related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in numerical modeling or geospatial analysis of flood hazards, as evidenced by doctoral research or peer-reviewed publications.
• Knowledge of coastal, riverine, and/or urban flood processes and the numerical models used to simulate them.
• Skill in GIS and scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Ability to conduct independent research and publish peer-reviewed work.
• Ability to communicate technical results to community, agency, and sponsor audiences.
• Ability to perform field work at remote coastal sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop, calibrate, validate, and apply numerical models of flood and coastal hazards: coupled storm surge and wave models for Arctic Alaska coasts, including sea ice, erosion, and sea-level rise scenarios; and hydrologic/hydraulic and 2D flood models of stormwater systems for Virginia and Chesapeake Bay communities.
• Analyze results to quantify exposure and the performance of engineered, green, and nature-based solutions.
• Conduct community-engaged research: co-produce flood and erosion adaptation strategies with Alaska Native communities and Tribal partners, and with local governments and residents in Virginia and Maryland.
• Plan and facilitate workshops and stakeholder meetings; communicate results to non-technical audiences.
• Build and maintain geospatial datasets for flood hazard analysis (e.g., stormwater asset inventories, exposure maps, web maps).
• Plan, deploy, maintain, and process data from environmental sensors (water level, waves, rainfall) for the Mason Living Lab and field campaigns in the Chesapeake Bay and Alaska.
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications, sponsor reports, and project deliverables; present at conferences.
• Contribute to proposal development.
• Guide the day-to-day research of graduate and undergraduate students; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Numerical modeling

Geospatial analysis

Python

MATLAB

GIS software (ArcGIS)

Education

Ph.D. in civil/coastal/environmental engineering or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

ArcGIS / GIS software

Job description

George Mason University is seeking a Research Scientist to lead flood and coastal hazards research within the Mason Flood Hazards Research Lab. The role combines numerical modeling, geospatial analysis, and field monitoring across Arctic Alaska and Virginia/Maryland communities, contributing to sponsored projects and graduate student supervision.

The position emphasizes developing and applying advanced models (ADCIRC+SWAN, 2D flood models), co-producing adaptation strategies with Indigenous and