Postdoc Position in Hydraulic Modeling

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is offering a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The role involves conducting research, performing flume experiments, and utilizing computational modeling to analyze and synthesize results.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in civil engineering or a related field and have prior experience with computational modeling. This position offers a competitive benefits package and expects a start date in July 2026, with negotiation options.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in civil engineering or related field with focus on hydraulics, environmental fluid mechanics, or water resources.
• Prior experience with computational modeling and flume experiments.
• Experience with CFD software such as OpenFOAM is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research tasks in the project, including literature survey and data collection.
• Perform flume experiments and computational modeling.
• Analyze and synthesize results.
• Prepare reports and disseminate findings.

Skills

Computational modeling

Flume experiments

CFD software knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in civil engineering or related field

Tools

OpenFOAM

Job description

Position specifics

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University has a Postdoctoral Scholar opening starting in July 2026 (starting date negotiable). This is a term position; the length of the term will be discussed during the interview process and continuation will depend on university need, performance, and funding availability. Approval of remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

Job responsibilities

• Carry out research tasks in the project, including literature survey and data collection.
• Perform flume experiments and computational modeling.
• Analyze and synthesize results.
• Prepare reports and disseminate findings.

Requirements and qualifications

• Ph.D. in civil engineering or related field with a focus on hydraulics, environmental fluid mechanics, or water resources.
• Prior experience with computational modeling and flume experiments.
• Experience with CFD software such as OpenFOAM is preferred but not required.

Contact

For consideration or more information, contact Dr. Xiaofeng Liu ([e-mail]). Dr. Liu's research group webpage: http://water.engr.psu.edu/liu/.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees. For Postdoctoral benefits, see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.

EEO statement

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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