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

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Mississippi; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Mississippi is seeking a highly qualified researcher to develop computational models, software tools, and web-based decision support systems for watershed science and water quality assessment. The role involves handling large environmental datasets, advanced modeling, and GIS workflows, with an emphasis on HPC and Linux environments.

The candidate will contribute to grant proposals, peer‑reviewed publications, and interdisciplinary collaborations, leveraging FORTRAN, C++,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Hydroscience and Engineering or closely related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational models, software tools, and web-based decision support systems for watershed processes and water quality assessment.

Skills

Computational modeling

Decision‑support systems

Web-based tools

Geospatial analysis

PostgreSQL/PostGIS

Linux HPC

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Hydroscience and Engineering

Tools

FORTRAN

C++

Python

R

GIS/Remote Sensing

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

This position focuses on developing and maintaining computational and geospatial technologies that support agricultural watershed science, water quality assessment, dam‑break flood modeling, risk evaluation, and emergency planning. The role emphasizes building decision‑support systems and web‑based tools, managing large environmental datasets, and enabling data‑driven environmental management through advanced modeling, software engineering, and GIS/remote sensing workflows. It also includes supporting high‑performance and Linux‑based research computing environments, contributing to scientific communication (journal articles, technical reports, and conference presentations), and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders. In addition, the role supports grant proposal development and may include leading external research efforts.

Job Description

Essential Duties/ Responsibilities

• Develop computational models, software tools, and web‑based decision support systems for agricultural watershed processes, water quality assessment, dam‑break flood modeling, risk assessment, and emergency planning.
• Develop and maintain scientific software, geospatial applications, databases, and computational workflows using programming languages such as FORTRAN, C++, Python, R, and related technologies.
• Design, develop, and maintain geospatial databases, web mapping applications, decision‑support systems, and cloud‑ or cluster‑based cyberinfrastructure to support environmental modeling, visualization, and data dissemination.
• Manage and process large environmental and hydrologic datasets using GIS, remote sensing, spatial databases, and geospatial analysis tools.
• Support high‑performance computing, Linux‑based research computing environments, automation workflows, and related computational infrastructure required for environmental modeling and data‑intensive research.
• Participate in and lead external research grant proposal development.
• Participate in and lead peer‑reviewed journal publications, technical reports, and scientific conference presentations.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for water resources and environmental management challenges.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience in developing computational models, decision‑support systems, and web‑based tools for hydrologic, hydraulic, watershed, water quality, and environmental management.
• Experience in scientific programming (e.g., FORTRAN, C++, Python, R), software development, computer systems, and computational infrastructure for environmental and geospatial applications.
• Experience in geospatial analysis and environmental data management using GIS, remote sensing, spatial databases, and web‑based geospatial technologies.
• Experience with database design, administration, and optimization, including PostgreSQL/PostGIS and large‑scale spatial data processing.
• Experience in developing and deploying geospatial web services, map servers, and cloud‑ or cluster‑based computing environments for environmental modeling and visualization.
• Experience with Linux system administration, high‑performance computing (HPC), virtualization, automation, and research computing infrastructure.
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills (both technical and non‑technical).
• Experience in AIMS and/or DSS‑WISE modeling and decision‑support systems is preferred.

Education

• Ph.D. in Computational Hydroscience and Engineering, or a closely related discipline. The Ph.D. 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.

Interview Requirements

Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

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.