Postdoctoral Fellow in Water Systems (ml)

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 39,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in Water Systems at the Bureau of Economic Geology. The successful candidate will apply hydrology expertise, large-data analytics, and numerical modeling to Texas water resources projects.

Position is based at Pickle Research Campus with 40 hours weekly, immediate start, and a term extending until August 3, 2026. Applicants should have strong programming and communication skills and be prepared for field-related duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. obtained within the last three years in Earth Science, Civil Engineering, or closely related field.
• Experience in data analytics, wrangling, and synthesis for hydrology projects.
• Strong modeling, GIS analytics, and ability to communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform research in hydrology using large datasets with analytical, statistical, and numerical methods.
• Contribute to publication of papers and presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with program team and help develop proposals and funding opportunities.
• Support supervisor and Bureau activities as needed.

Skills

Hydrology

Data analytics

Numerical modeling

Python

GIS analytics

Education

Ph.D. in Earth Science or Civil Engineering

Tools

Python

GIS software

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Job description

Job Posting Title

Postdoctoral Fellow in Water Systems (ml)

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Hiring Department

Bureau of Economic Geology

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Position Open To

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date

Immediately

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Position Duration

Expected to Continue Until Aug 03, 2026

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Location

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

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Job Details

General Notes

A researcher with a strong background in hydrology, numerical/analytical modeling, programming, and data management/analytics is needed to support existing and forthcoming projects in the BEG hydro group.

Purpose

We are seeking highly motivated candidates for postdoctoral fellow positions within the Bureau's hydrology research group. These fellows will be key members of an expanding research program focused on assessing Texas water resources and systems in service to our mission as the state geological survey. The current research program objectives are: (a) synthesize a full suite of Texas water resource and system data into a common spatiotemporal framework, (b) develop a web-based product to deliver accessible and actionable water resource and system information to stakeholders, (c) assess the historical impact of drought and flood on water resources and systems, and (d) evaluate drought and flood 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.
Each position term is subject to performance as well as research program needs and funding. Multiple postdoctoral fellow positions are initially available, and candidates are strongly encouraged to review Preferred Qualifications to determine which position is best aligned with their skills and experience.

Responsibilities

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

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. acquired within the last three years in Earth Science (e.g. Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Geology, Geography), Civil Engineering, or closely related field. Demonstrated experience and aptitude in a hydrology context with: (a) data analytics, wrangling, management, and synthesis, (b) numerical and analytical modeling environments (e.g. Python), (c) geoprocessing and GIS analytics, and (d) data-driven model development. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and effectively disseminate research project results to professional peers. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.

Degree must have been obtained within 3 years from date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Aptitude and experience with: (a) predictive machine and deep learning techniques, (b) statistical analysis, (c) hands-on experience using models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), generative AI methods such as diffusion models, and interpretability techniques commonly applied in hydrology including SHAP or LIME for explaining outputs of forecasting models, (d) experience in using high performance computing systems with multiple nodes and GPUs and (e) drought metrics. Familiarity with Texas water resources and management practices. Experience working within an integrated team of scientists, engineers, and economists in a dynamic environment.

Salary Range

$65,000+ depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• May work in all weather conditions
• May work in extreme temperatures
• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadlines
• Fieldwork as necessary

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information
• Letter of interest

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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.

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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.

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Background Checks

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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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.