Postdoctoral Scholar

University of California - Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Harmon Lab, Civil and Environmental Engineering, focused on characterizing, measuring, and modeling managed aquifer recharge (MAR).

The successful candidate will perform field and geophysical work, collaborate across disciplines, mentor students, and contribute to proposals and publications. Open date is 2026-10-27 with reviews and final date in December, and the position is 2-year, 100% time.

Qualifications

• PhD or doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Experience acquiring and analyzing complex geophysical datasets.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and Python.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on MAR characterization and modeling.
• Identify MAR sites and coordinate field experiments.
• Collect and analyze geophysical and field data.
• Mentor students and contribute to proposals/publications.
• Present findings at conferences and professional meetings.

Skills

Geophysical data analysis

Programming (MATLAB/Python)

Scientific writing & presentation

Collaboration & teamwork

Education

Doctoral degree in Engineering/Environmental Science/Hydrology/Earth Science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar

Salary range: See Table 23 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $$71,491.

Percent time: 100

Anticipated start: As soon as 11/15/2026

Position duration: 2 Years

Application Window

Open date: October 27, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Nov 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Harmon Lab in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Earth Institute at the University of California, Merced, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research focused on characterizing, measuring, and modeling managed aquifer recharge (MAR).

The successful candidate will identify prospective MAR sites using geophysical methods and coordinate and execute field experiments involving MAR spreading basins at the farm scale. This position will involve collecting, processing, and analyzing geophysical and field-based data to support research on groundwater recharge and sustainable water management.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers investigating sustainable agriculture, water resources, and energy-related challenges in Central California. The position will require active participation in research planning, experimental design, field data collection, data analysis, and the interpretation and communication of research findings.

Additional responsibilities include supervising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to the preparation of research proposals and grant applications, preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting research findings at technical conferences and professional meetings.

The candidate must demonstrate strong analytical, technical, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in laboratory, field, and interdisciplinary research environments.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Doctoral degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Earth Science, or a closely related field.

Experience acquiring and analyzing complex geophysical datasets, including data obtained from aerial or towed transient electromagnetic (TEM) observational systems.

Advanced programming and scripting experience using tools such as MATLAB and Python.

Experience publishing research in peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at technical conferences.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred qualifications

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.

Advanced experience with experimental methods, statistical analysis, and/or data science, particularly as related to soil boring and sampling.

Proficiency with geospatial processing software, including ArcGIS or QGIS.

Knowledge of basic agricultural processes and farming operations.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. Required Authorization of Information Release may be found at the linked page. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Help contact

[e-mail]

About UC Merced

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affimative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Job location

Merced, CA