Postdoctoral Scholar - Interdisciplinary Research

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis, Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct interdisciplinary lake science and hydrodynamic modeling. You will develop one- and three-dimensional models to predict harmful algal blooms and algae transport, integrating field data, remote sensing, and weather forecasts.

The role includes field experiments, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and coordinating with stakeholders; reporting to PIs Forrest, Valbuena, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, limnology, oceanography, environmental science, computational science or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
• Proven research experience in hydrodynamic modeling of lakes or other aquatic environments.
• Proven research experience in the use of remote sensing and remote sensing related products.
• Ability to conduct independent research while contributing effectively to a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge in fluid dynamics and physical transport processes.
• Experience with conventional limnological sampling techniques.
• Ability to participate in fieldwork, including travel to study sites when required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, configure, apply, calibrate, and validate a one-dimensional model to predict the probability of harmful algal blooms in lake ecosystems.
• Develop, configure, apply, calibrate, and validate a three-dimensional model to predict the transport of harmful algae within lake ecosystems.
• Integrate hydrodynamic modeling with field observations, remote-sensing products, meteorological data, and other environmental datasets.
• Develop scalable workflows for processing, analyzing, visualizing, and managing field and model data.
• Participate in field campaigns, including the design, execution, and analysis of in-situ observations.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Present results at technical meetings, workshops, and meetings with project partners and stakeholders.
• Coordinate research activities, data exchange, technical deliverables, and project timelines with collaborative parties and stakeholders.
• Design outreach and visualization tools for model predictions available within a public website.

Education

Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, limnology, oceanography, environmental science, computational science or a closely related field

Tools

Python

Matlab

Fortran

C++

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: 71,491-85,736 depending on experience

Application Window

Open date: October 5, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 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

UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct interdisciplinary research in lake and aquatic science, hydrodynamic modeling, remote sensing and environmental data science. The successful candidate will investigate the physical processes governing lake circulation and transport of harmful algal blooms through the integration of numerical modeling, field observations, remote sensing products and environmental datasets.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will develop, configure, calibrate, and evaluate model predictions for the probability of harmful algal blooms and the transport of algae in lakes and reservoirs. Predictions will be based on combining forecasted and current weather and lake conditions. The successful candidate will also design and execute field experiments, analyze the in-situ observations and model outputs, prepare peer-reviewed publications, present research findings, and coordinate research and outreach activities with agency and stakeholders.

The position provides opportunities to lead research associated with developing new numerical models, data processing and analysis, and collaborate across disciplines and agencies. This work will directly contribute to the management and protection of freshwater ecosystems.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will report directly to the Project's Principal Investigators Alexander Forrest, Sergio Valbuena, and Oscar Sepulveda.

Major Responsibilities for this position include:

• Develop, configure, apply, calibrate, and validate a one-dimensional model to predict the probability of harmful algal blooms in lake ecosystems


• Develop, configure, apply, calibrate, and validate a three-dimensional model to predict the transport of harmful algae within lake ecosystems


• Integrate hydrodynamic modeling with field observations, remote-sensing products, meteorological data, and other environmental datasets.


• Develop scalable workflows for processing, analyzing, visualizing, and managing field and model data.


• Participate in field campaigns, including the design, execution, and analysis of in-situ observations.


• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.


• Present results at technical meetings, workshops, and meetings with project partners and stakeholders.


• Coordinate research activities, data exchange, technical deliverables, and project timelines with collaborative parties and stakeholders.


• Design outreach and visualization tools for model predictions available within a public website.

Application Requirements:

• References: 3 required, contact info only.


• Required documents: CV, Cover Letter.


• Optional documents: Statement of Research.

Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, limnology, oceanography, environmental science, computational science or a closely related field by the appointment start date.


• Proven research experience in hydrodynamic modeling of lakes or other aquatic environments.


• Proven research experience in the use of remote sensing and remote sensing related products


• Ability to conduct independent research while contributing effectively to a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.


• Strong written and oral communication skills.


• Knowledge in fluid dynamics and physical transport processes.


• Experience with conventional limnological sampling techniques.


• Ability to participate in fieldwork, including travel to study sites when required.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics and three-dimensional lake hydrodynamic models such as Si3D, Delft3D, MITgcm, GLM, CE-QUAL-W2 or comparable models.


• Proficiency in one or more scientific programming languages such as Python, Matlab, Fortran, C++.


• Proven experience working with large, multidimensional environmental datasets.


• Proven experience with high-performance or parallel computing.


• Familiarity with time series, model sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, or statistical model performance evaluation.


• Knowledge in water quality models.


• Experience integrating hydrodynamic and water quality or biogeochemical models.

Recruitment Committee Alexander Forrest, Sergio Valbuena, and Oscar Sepulveda

About the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center is dedicated to interdisciplinary research and education to advance the knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and their interactions within natural and developed Earth systems, and to communicate science-informed solutions worldwide and for the Tahoe basin. The vision of TERC is to achieve healthy aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through scientific understanding and education for the benefit of communities locally and globally; guide the preservation of a resilient and sustainable ecosystem at Lake Tahoe for generations to come; and provide objective scientific knowledge to the public, school children, private industry, government agencies, and elected officials. The work at TERC is anchored in the Lake Tahoe basin, and the research undertaken by TERC scientists on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, or in a socio-ecological context, has impacts around the globe. TERC's research is rapidly transferred and disseminated to the public through many active public education and outreach programs. Approaches currently and historically used at TERC include in situ sensors, AUVs, remote sensing, biogeochemical and organismal sampling of both nearshore and offshore areas. TERC resources are described online, and more information about TERC and its resources can be requested from Stephanie Hampton ([e-mail]) or Alex Forrest ([e-mail]).

Department: https://tahoe.ucdavis.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, limnology, oceanography, environmental science, computational science or a closely related field by the appointment start date.


• Proven research experience in hydrodynamic modeling of lakes or other aquatic environments.


• Proven research experience in the use of remote sensing and remote sensing related products


• Ability to conduct independent research while contributing effectively to a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.


• Strong written and oral communication skills.


• Knowledge in fluid dynamics and physical transport processes.


• Experience with conventional limnological sampling techniques.


• Ability to participate in fieldwork, including travel to study sites when required.

Additional qualifications

• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics and three-dimensional lake hydrodynamic models such as Si3D, Delft3D, MITgcm, GLM, CE-QUAL-W2 or comparable models.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics and three-dimensional lake hydrodynamic models such as Si3D, Delft3D, MITgcm, GLM, CE-QUAL-W2 or comparable models.


• Proficiency in one or more scientific programming languages such as Python, Matlab, Fortran, C++.


• Proven experience working with large, multidimensional environmental datasets.


• Proven experience with high-performance or parallel computing.


• Familiarity with time series, model sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, or statistical model performance evaluation.


• Knowledge in water quality models.


• Experience integrating hydrodynamic and water quality or biogeochemical models.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.


• Cover Letter


• Statement of Research (Optional)


• Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Davis

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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.


• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy


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• APM - 035: Affitative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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Job location

UC Davis main campus and travel to Clear Lake and Lake Tahoe