Postdoc: Flood Risk Modeling (Hydrologic & Hydraulic)

Central Michigan University; Mount Pleasant (MI); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Michigan University seeks a Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a team assessing flood risk in Michigan. The role focuses on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling within the DOE PIER-supported project on stormwater and flood resilience.

The successful candidate will work with CMU's School of Engineering and Technology and will contribute to data, tools, and community-engaged research across three Michigan watersheds.

Qualifications

• PhD in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with hydrologic and/or hydraulic modeling.
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, R) to create model inputs and analyze outputs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience writing scientific journal articles.

Responsibilities

• Assess flood risk in Michigan using hydrologic and hydraulic models.
• Contribute to the Building Predictive Capacity to Enhance Stormwater Infrastructure and Flood Resilience project.
• Collaborate with DOE PIER partners and community stakeholders to translate findings into practice.

Skills

Hydrologic modeling

Hydraulic modeling

Scripting (Python, R)

Independent researcher

Journal publications

Education

Ph.D. in Civil or Environmental Engineering / related field

Tools

WRF-Hydro

ATS

SWMM

HEC-HMS

HEC-RAS

Job description

Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling Postdoctoral Research Fellow

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.

Applicants must upload a (1) cover letter describing the candidate’s interest and qualifications, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) contact information for three professional references. Please contact Dr. Roderick Lammers with questions at [e-mail] . Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

Position Information

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number F-1069

Position Title

Position Title Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling Postdoctoral Research Fellow

College/Unit

College/Unit College of Science and Engineering

Home Department

Home Department School of Engineering and Technology

Employee Group

Employee Group Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Employment Status

Employment Status Full-Time

Position Type

Position Type 12 month

Position Classification

Position Classification Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Position Begin Date

Position Begin Date 02/01/2027

Position End Date

Position End Date 01/31/2028

Position Summary

Dr. Roderick Lammers at Central Michigan University is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to assess flood risk in Michigan using hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.

The postdoctoral research fellow will work as part of a team on the Building Predictive Capacity to Enhance Stormwater Infrastructure and Flood Resilience project. This project is focused on providing community-relevant information for Michigan to enhance resilience to flood hazards. The project aims to produce data and tools that will help communities plan for and become more resilient to climate change in three pilot watersheds in Michigan: the Chippewa River, Lower Grand River, and Rouge River watersheds. The project will use climate model outputs of future precipitation patterns with hydrologic and hydraulic models to quantify potential future flood impacts in the study watersheds. The project is supported by the Department of Energy Resiliency Center program and will involve engagement of community partners to assess relevant data.

Experience with hydrologic and/or hydraulic modeling is required. The ideal candidate would have experience specifically with one or more of the following models: WRF -Hydro, Advanced Terrestrial Simulator ( ATS ), Stormwater Management Model ( SWMM ), Hydrologic Engineering Center – Hydrologic Modeling System ( HEC - HMS ), and/or Hydrologic Engineering Center – River Analysis System ( HEC - RAS ). The appointee is expected to carry out their research responsibilities with limited guidance. Mentoring of the appointee will be conducted according to DOE PIER plan guidelines.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The expected start date for the appointment is February 2027, but this is negotiable. The appointment is full-time for 12 months.

Research shows that individuals are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet 100% of the preferred qualifications. Please note this is not necessary. If you meet the required qualifications and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Watershed Hydrology, Earth Science, or a related field.
• Experience with hydrologic and/or hydraulic modeling.
• Experience with one or more scripting languages (Python, R, or similar) to create model inputs and analyze model outputs.
• Ability to work independently in a research setting, as well as collaboratively as a team member.
• Experience writing scientific journal articles.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Experience with one or more of the following models: WRF -Hydro, ATS , SWMM , HEC - HMS , and/or HEC - RAS .
• Experience with high-performance computing and Linux command line.

Message to Applicants

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.

Applicants must upload a (1) cover letter describing the candidate’s interest and qualifications, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) contact information for three professional references. Please contact Dr. Roderick Lammers with questions at [e-mail] . Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

About the Department

The School of Engineering and Technology ( SET ) is housed in the College of Science and Engineering ( CSE ). SET has four undergraduate Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer and Environmental Engineering), three undergraduate Engineering Technology (Industrial, Mechanical and Product Design Engineering Technology) and a graduate (MS in Engineering) program. All undergraduate programs are accredited by ABET . SET presently has 24 full-time faculty members. Courses are taught in an attractive 70,000 square foot engineering & technology building which houses more than twenty laboratories and support spaces.

Posting Begins

Posting Begins 10/13/2026

Posting Ends

Open Until Filled Yes

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External

About CMU

Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.

We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master’s, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.

CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.

Central is home to 17 men’s and women’s Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.

CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It’s part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state’s largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.

Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions — Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more — are within easy reach of the city’s central location in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.

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CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.

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Supplemental Questions

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Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• List of References
Optional Documents
• Other Document (1)

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CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.

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