Postdoctoral Fellow

Overview

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Utah State University (USU) is seeking one post-doctoral scholar to work on a new project funded by the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH). This position is funded for 20 months with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. The preferred start date is Spring or Summer 2025, but the position will remain open until filled.

 

This position is telework-eligible within the state of Utah. Telework outside of the state of Utah is subject to review and approval by the University prior to a job offer being extended.

Responsibilities

Groundwater’s contribution to streams in the form of low flows is critical to sustaining streamflow during prolonged dry periods. The primary objective of the project is to improve the low flow predictions in the NextGen Water Resources Modeling Framework through improved subsurface parameterization using big data analysis and ML/AI approaches.

 

Develop a CONUS scale dataset of effective hydraulic properties (e.g., hydraulic conductivity) of the subsurface using Machine Learning approaches.

Contact: Dr. Pin Shuai (pin.shuai@usu.edu), Utah State University, Logan, UT (Work onsite with potential to become hybrid)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

 

• PhD degree in Earth Science (such as hydrology, hydrogeology, geoscience, and environmental science) or other related engineering field (e.g., Civil and Environmental Engineering) at the time the program begins.• Knowledge of fundamental hydrological processes. Prior knowledge of groundwater hydrology is preferred.• Expertise in big data and machine learning/AI.• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python and R).• Strong written and verbal communication skills.• U.S. work eligibility is required; non-U.S. scholars must have or be able to obtain a work visa.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”.

Names and contact information of three references to be added to your Candidate Profile.

Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application. In your cover letter, please briefly explain how your background aligns with the project. More information about the PI and the research group is available here (https://groundwater.usu.edu)

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

For more than 50 years, the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) has conducted practical research in the State of Utah, the nation, and the world directed at solving water-related challenges, informing water policy and management, and training the next generation of water experts. As the oldest and one of the largest university-based water research facilities in the United States, we strive to generate the knowledge needed to solve pressing water problems now and in the future.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

 

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

 

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

 

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

 

*updated 01/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

 

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023