Visiting Research Scholar - Kalin - Rippel

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Part time

Job summary

Auburn University in Auburn, AL, invites a visiting scholar to collaborate on watershed-scale hydrologic and water quality modeling, focusing on a high-resolution SWAT+ model for catchments draining into Mobile Bay.

The role leverages SWAT+ expertise to support model development, calibration, and analysis, and to address hydrologic and ecological challenges of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Collaboration will involve knowledge exchange and cross-disciplinary research.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering.
• Knowledge of hydrologic and watershed modeling principles, including SWAT+ or similar tools.
• Strong analytical and research skills with ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on development of watershed-scale hydrologic and water quality models to evaluate impacts of management decisions and land-use change on water resources.
• Develop a high-spatial-resolution SWAT+ watershed model for catchments draining into Mobile Bay.
• Apply expertise in SWAT+ modeling to support model development, calibration, and analysis.
• Assess hydrologic and water quality responses under various land-use and management scenarios.
• Contribute to research addressing hydrologic and ecological challenges of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta region.
• Participate in collaborative research activities and knowledge exchange related to watershed modeling and water resource management.
• Expand and apply modeling approaches within tidal ecosystem environments.

Skills

SWAT+ modeling

Hydrologic & watershed modeling

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering

Tools

SWAT+

Job description

Overview

Rehiring visiting scholar Mr. Elzon Rippel. The scholar will collaborate on watershed-scale hydrologic and water quality modeling research, with a primary focus on developing a high-resolution SWAT+ model for catchments draining into Mobile Bay. The appointment will leverage the scholar's expertise in SWAT+ while providing opportunities to address the unique hydrologic and ecological challenges of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. This collaboration builds on a long-standing professional relationship through previous joint research projects, a prior visit to Auburn University, and ongoing Ph.D. co-advising activities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on the development of watershed-scale hydrologic and water quality models to evaluate the impacts of management decisions and land-use change on water resources.
• Develop a high-spatial-resolution SWAT+ watershed model for catchments draining into Mobile Bay.
• Apply expertise in SWAT+ modeling to support model development, calibration, and analysis.
• Assess hydrologic and water quality responses under various land-use and management scenarios.
• Contribute to research addressing the unique hydrologic and ecological challenges of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta region.
• Participate in collaborative research activities and knowledge exchange related to watershed modeling and water resource management.
• Expand and apply modeling approaches within tidal ecosystem environments.

Qualifications

Master's Degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of hydrologic and watershed modeling principles, including experience with SWAT+ or similar tools. Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment. Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Contract Type

Limited Term

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

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