Postdoctoral Research Associate (Multiple Positions)

Florida Gulf Coast University; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with benefits

Access to state-of-the-art computational resources

Impactful applied research contributions

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University is seeking a passionate individual for a role focusing on GIS mapping and water quality modeling to address environmental challenges in Florida's coastal watersheds.

In this position, you will manage research operations, develop water quality models, and collaborate with researchers to enhance the understanding of water quality systems. A PhD in a relevant field is required, along with a strong background in GIS mapping and water quality modeling.

This role includes competitive salary and benefits, with priority applications received by July 31, 2025.

Qualifications

• Strong background in GIS mapping and water quality modeling.
• Experience with project management tools for team coordination.
• Previous research experience in urban-coastal resiliency and climate studies.

Responsibilities

• Develop watershed water quality models for Florida.
• Conduct scenario analysis to evaluate climate change impacts.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on research initiatives.

Skills

GIS mapping

Water quality modeling

Data analysis

Environmental modeling

Statistical analysis

Education

PhD in related fields

Tools

Watershed Assessment Model (WAM)

Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)

Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF)

Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP)

Job description

Job Summary

Are you passionate about applying cutting‑edge GIS Mapping and Water Quality modelling techniques to address critical environmental challenges? Join us in an exciting initiative aimed at advancing hydrology and water quality assessment across Florida. In this role, you will contribute to the development of a comprehensive watershed system model that simulates both natural processes and human influences within Florida’s coastal watersheds. Your work will involve integrating GIS mapping, water quality modelling, and environmental data to assess hydrology and water quality dynamics. This position requires the application of interdisciplinary skills across hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental and civil engineering, and programming. You will collaborate with a team of researchers to support model development, data analysis, and the interpretation of results to enhance understanding of water quality systems in coastal environments.

Project Overview

We are seeking two highly motivated individuals to join our team as a Project Manager and Postdoctoral Researcher, contributing to both the scientific and operational success of a major research initiative focused on hydrology and water quality in Florida’s coastal watersheds. Your responsibilities include managing daily research operations, coordinating research activities, developing watershed water quality models, identifying water quality "hotspots", and developing effective mitigation strategies. You will ensure that all work is conducted efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with institutional policies, research protocols, and regulatory guidelines. You will also coordinate with fellow researchers, oversee participant involvement, manage data workflows, and maintain project timelines and budgets. Throughout the project, you will apply hydro‑informatics, GIS mapping, and water quality modelling techniques to address complex environmental challenges. You will work closely with Dr. Seneshaw Tsegaye, Chair of the Department of Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, and Environmental Engineering, along with other FGCU researchers.

Essential Job Duties

• Attend introductory training sessions organized by the project PI and Co‑PI’s.
• Integrate complex large datasets from open sources and SAS Viya, including spatial and temporal environmental, hydrology, water quality, and climate‑related data.
• Lead data processing, ensuring data quality and consistency.
• Conduct water quality modeling for multiple Florida watersheds using Watershed Assessment Model (WAM), Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF), and/or Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP).
• Calibrate and validate models using measured surface and groundwater hydrologic and water quality data.
• Conduct scenario analysis to evaluate the impact of climate change and urbanization.
• Develop alternative modeling scenarios for evaluating the benefits of future water quality improvement strategies.
• Generate complex scenarios for evaluating the benefits of land‑use practices, BMPs, wetland and chemical stormwater treatment projects, etc.
• Document the results of GIS mapping, water quality modeling, hotspot identification, and scenario analysis.
• Manage the project by tracking progress, addressing delays, and coordinating team activities to ensure alignment with research goals and timelines.
• Organize meetings, prepare agendas, and maintain documentation of discussions and decisions.
• Facilitate communication among stakeholders and coordinate project tasks.
• Disseminate research findings through reports, peer‑reviewed publications, and presentations at scientific conferences or workshops.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydro Informatics, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, or closely related discipline.
• Strong background in GIS mapping, water quality modeling, data analysis, and environmental modeling.
• Previous research experience in hydrology and water quality modeling, urban‑coastal resiliency and climate studies.
• Familiarity with hands‑on experience using project management tools and coordinating multi‑person teams.
• Experience in writing proposals, assisting with or managing research activities, and preparing reports.
• Strong skills in statistical analysis and handling large spatial and temporal datasets.
• Good communication skills for collaboration within an interdisciplinary team.
• Track record of publication and research presentations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with benefits.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art computational resources.
• Contribute to impactful applied research that directly benefits the community.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit a Cover Letter, Research Statement, and C.V. The position is listed as "open until filled", however applications received by July 31 2025 will receive priority consideration.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.