Postdoctoral Fellow - Water Resources - 530855

The University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama's Alabama Water Institute invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to advance collaborative research with USGS on water, soil, and sediment dynamics. The position emphasizes scholarly activity after earning a PhD, under mentorship from senior faculty in a multidisciplinary setting.

Based in Tuscaloosa, the role uses advanced lab and field facilities to study hydrologic and sediment processes, with opportunities to contribute to modeling, reporting, and capacity

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a related field completed or to be completed by start of employment.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident as required by funding source.
• Experience in hydrologic, hydraulic or sediment transport research is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct collaborative research on water quantity, quality, and sediment transport.
• Utilize advanced instrumentation and modeling to analyze environmental data.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations for USGS/AWI.

Skills

Hydrologic processes

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Communication skills

Project management

Laboratory safety

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. civil engineering

Ph.D. geography

Ph.D. electrical engineering

Ph.D. computer science

Ph.D. geoscience

Tools

Recirculating flumes

Velocity measurement systems

Spectroscopic sensors

Numerical modeling platforms

Job description

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $54,000 - Midpoint: $67,500 (Salaried E8)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Postdoctoral Fellow provides for an internship and continuation of scholarly activity and research after achieving the PhD or other doctoral degree under the direction of a senior faculty member who serves as a mentor for the postdoctoral appointee.

Additional Department Summary: This Postdoctoral Fellow position supports collaborative research between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the University of Alabama focused on understanding water, soil, and sediment dynamics across critical environmental interfaces. The research addresses how human modification of landscapes affects water quantity, water quality, and sediment transport processes in laboratory and field environments. This position utilizes advanced experimental facilities and instrumentation, including recirculating flumes, velocity measurement systems, spectroscopic tools, and numerical modeling platforms, to investigate hydrologic and sediment processes. Works closely with USGS scientists and University faculty at the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, a national hub for hydrologic instrumentation development, testing, training, and workforce development. Contributes to applied research, technology advancement, and scientific capacity building that supports nationwide water monitoring and research programs. Provides professional development through participation in seminars, workshops, and collaborative research activities within the USGS network.

Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. civil engineering, geography, electrical engineering, computer science, geoscience, or related field. Candidates will need to have completed their Ph.D. or have it completed by the start of employment. Due to requirements of the funding source, must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident.

Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge of hydrologic, hydraulic, and sediment transport processes. Proficiency in the operation of research instrumentation including recirculating flumes, velocity measurement systems, and spectroscopic or geophysical sensors. Ability to collect, process, and analyze complex environmental datasets. Proficiency with scientific programming and data analysis software. Ability to prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations. Familiarity with laboratory and field safety protocols. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research environments. Ability to manage research tasks and timelines independently.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with coupled hydrodynamic, hydraulic, or sediment transport modeling. Experience with numerical and computational modeling of water and sediment systems. Experience designing and conducting laboratory and field experiments. Experience with federally funded or multi-institutional research projects. Proven record of peer-reviewed publications or technical reports. Experience working with advanced laboratory and field instrumentation in environmental or water-resources research. Experience with U.S. Geological Survey data standards, quality assurance practices, or monitoring programs. Experience mentoring graduate students or junior researchers.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster. The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.