Postdoctoral Research Associate - National Center for Computational Hydroscience and Engineering (NCCHE)

University of Mississippi; Maine; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Mississippi invites applications for a research-focused position to develop and apply numerical hydrology models, analyze watershed processes, and support flood forecasting and water resources planning.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD, have experience in model calibration and validation, scientific programming (Fortran, Python, R), and a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications. Familiarity with CCHE models is preferred and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in numerical modeling of watershed hydrology, surface water systems, flood processes, and/or water quality.
• Experience in model calibration, verification, and validation using field, laboratory, and/or observational datasets.
• Experience in writing peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience in scientific programming (FORTRAN, Python, R).

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and apply surface water, watershed, and flood models for hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality analyses.
• Verify and validate hydrologic and hydraulic models using observations, monitoring data, and historical flood events.
• Simulate watershed processes, including rainfall-runoff transformation, streamflow routing, flood inundation, sediment transport, and pollutant fate and transport.
• Evaluate the impacts of land use change, climate variability, and extreme weather events on flooding, watershed hydrology, water quantity, and water quality.
• Support development of computational tools and decision-support systems for flood forecasting, watershed planning, and water resources management.

Skills

Numerical modeling

Hydrologic modeling

Scientific programming

Python

R

FORTRAN

Education

PhD in Civil/Environmental Engineering

Tools

CCHE

FORTRAN

Job description

The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.

Job Summary:

The successful candidate will conduct research and develop advanced numerical models to analyze watershed hydrology, surface water systems, flooding, and water quality. Responsibilities include developing, implementing, calibrating, verifying, and validating hydrologic and hydraulic models; simulating watershed processes such as rainfall-runoff, streamflow routing, flood inundation, sediment transport, and pollutant fate and transport; and evaluating the impacts of land use change, climate variability, and extreme weather events on water resources. The position also supports the development of computational tools and decision-support systems for flood forecasting, watershed planning, and water resources management.

The ideal candidate will have experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, model calibration and validation using field and observational data, scientific programming, and publishing peer-reviewed research. Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills are essential. Experience with CCHE numerical models, laboratory or field research, and scientific software or computational tool development is preferred.

Job Description:

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and apply surface water, watershed, and flood models for hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality analyses.
• Verify and validate hydrologic and hydraulic models using field observations, monitoring data, and historical flood events.
• Simulate watershed processes, including rainfall-runoff transformation, streamflow routing, flood inundation, sediment transport, and pollutant fate and transport.
• Evaluate the impacts of land use change, climate variability, and extreme weather events on flooding, watershed hydrology, water quantity, and water quality.
• Support the development of computational tools and decision-support systems for flood forecasting, watershed planning, and water resources management.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in numerical modeling of watershed hydrology, surface water systems, flood processes, and/or water quality.
• Experience in model calibration, verification, and validation using field, laboratory, and/or observational datasets.
• Experience in writing peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience in scientific programming (e.g., FORTRAN, Python, R).
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills (both technical and non-technical).
• Experience with CCHE numerical models is preferred.
• Experience in laboratory and/or field experimental studies related to hydrology, hydraulics, watersheds, flooding, or water quality is preferred.
• Experience in computer systems development, scientific software development, or computational tool development is preferred.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, or a closely related discipline. The PhD degree should be already received or about to be received at the end of the current semester.

* This position is fully or partially funded by external research grants. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and the ongoing availability of funding.

Education Qualifications:

PhD (Required)

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

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