Postdoctoral Scholar in Terrestrial Hydrology and Remote Sensing

University of California - Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Irvine is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to study the global spatial organization of precipitation, soil moisture, and vegetation using satellite observations and models. Start dates are flexible within Fall 2026–Winter 2027, with preference for earlier starts.

The position is a two-year appointment with renewal possible, offering a competitive salary and generous benefits. The role includes leadership in publications, collaboration with the PI, and mentoring

Qualifications

• PhD in hydrology, remote sensing, Earth system science, or a relevant field.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and analysis of large datasets.
• Experience with remote sensing and geospatial data analysis.
• Experience working in high-performance computing environments.

Responsibilities

• Analyze satellite observations and model output to characterize hydrologic and vegetation patterns across spatial scales.
• Develop approaches for evaluating model representations against observations.
• Lead peer‑reviewed publications and present results at conferences.
• Contribute to openly available datasets and analysis tools.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers and participate in group meetings.

Skills

Scientific programming

Remote sensing

Geospatial data analysis

High-performance computing

Education

PhD in hydrology/remote sensing/Earth system science

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: $69,073 - $82,836

Application Window

Open date: September 1, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Thursday, Dec 31, 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 Department of Earth System Science at the University of California, Irvine is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to investigate the global spatial organization of precipitation, soil moisture, and vegetation using satellite observations and models. The postdoctoral scholar will work on an NSF-funded project examining how hydrologic and vegetation conditions are organized across spatial scales, the environmental factors that control these patterns, and how well they are represented in models. Start dates are flexible over Fall 2026-Winter 2027 period, with preference for earlier start dates.

Position benefits and pay: This is a two-year position that is renewable, pending good progress and funding. The salary will range from 69,073 to 82,836 USD per year, see postdoc salary scale, and includes generous benefits, see Postdoctoral Scholar Benefit Plan

Position/Project description: The postdoctoral scholar will analyze satellite observations and model output, develop approaches for characterizing hydrologic and vegetation patterns across spatial scales, and evaluate their representation in models. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to lead peer- reviewed scientific publications, present results at scientific conferences, and contribute to the development of openly available datasets and analysis tools. The position will involve close collaboration with the PI, mentoring undergraduate researchers, and active participation in research group meetings and discussions.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• An expected or recent PhD in hydrology, remote sensing, Earth system science, or a relevant field
• Proficiency in scientific programming and analysis of large datasets
• Experience with remote sensing and geospatial data analysis
• Experience working in high-performance computing environments

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter - A cover letter that also describes your research background, your reasons for applying for this position, and your longer-term research plans.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine 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 categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

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.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmitive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

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.

Job location

Irvine, CA