Research Scientist - Flood Hazards & Geospatial Modeling

Cooperative Education; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University’s Mason Flood Hazards Research Lab seeks a Research Scientist to advance flood and coastal hazards research across sponsored projects, combining numerical modeling, geospatial analysis, and field monitoring.

You will work on Arctic coastal hazard modeling, stormwater and flood risk studies for Virginia towns, and Chesapeake Bay communities, collaborating with Alaska Native communities and local governments.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in civil, coastal, environmental engineering; geography; earth/ocean/atmospheric sciences or related field.
• Demonstrated research in numerical modeling or geospatial analysis of flood hazards (doctoral research or publications).
• Knowledge of coastal, riverine, urban flood processes and models.
• Skill in GIS and scientific programming (Python, MATLAB).
• Ability to conduct independent research and publish peer-reviewed work.
• Ability to communicate technical results to community, agency, and sponsor audiences.
• Ability to perform field work at remote coastal sites.
• Continuation subject to availability of sponsored funding.
• Travel to field sites; field work may involve boats and variable weather.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and meet GMU Vehicle Use Policy requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, calibrate, validate, and apply numerical models of flood and coastal hazards (e.g., ADCIRC+SWAN).
• Analyze results to quantify exposure and evaluate engineering, nature-based solutions.
• Conduct community-engaged research with Alaska Native communities and Virginia/Maryland communities.
• Plan and facilitate workshops and stakeholder meetings; communicate results to non-technical audiences.
• Build and maintain geospatial datasets for flood hazard analysis and sensor data.
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications, sponsor reports, and project deliverables; assist with proposals.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students; other duties as assigned.

Skills

GIS

Python

MATLAB

Field work

Independent research

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in civil, coastal, environmental engineering or related field

Tools

ADCIRC+SWAN

Geospatial tooling

Job description

George Mason University’s Mason Flood Hazards Research Lab seeks a Research Scientist to advance flood and coastal hazards research across sponsored projects, combining numerical modeling, geospatial analysis, and field monitoring.

You will work on Arctic coastal hazard modeling, stormwater and flood risk studies for Virginia towns, and Chesapeake Bay communities, collaborating with Alaska Native communities and local governments.