Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Description

The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of water resources, computer science, and soil science. The scholar will directly work on an industry-funded project that requires collaborating with researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) and Texas A&M University (TAMU) to develop novel data-driven methods for soil risk assessment, modeling of soil health indicators, and integrating climate scenario data for water resource applications. Primary responsibilities include constructing and validating high-resolution datasets, employing advanced computational techniques, and generating predictive models that inform decision-making in sustainable agriculture and soil conservation. This position is based at ASU in Tempe, Arizona, within the WaterDMD lab(https:waterdmd.info) led by Dr. Saurav Kumar.  The scholar will work closely with other researchers in the Hydrosystem Engineering (https://ssebe.engineering.asu.edu/hydrosystems-group/) and AWODSS (https://azwaterinnovation.asu.edu/pillars/advanced-water-observatory-and-decision-support-system).

Working Environment:

The postdoctoral scholar will be at ASU’s Tempe campus, a dynamic setting enriched by numerous ongoing research initiatives and collaborations. Beyond immediate lab colleagues, they will interact with data sources in the university’s Center for Hydrologic Innovation, cultivating a shared environment focused on advancing water resources research and its intersection with soil science. Working in this vibrant community offers opportunities to learn from domain specialists, exchange ideas with fellow postdocs and other researchers, and identify synergies for external collaborative endeavors. Additionally, the scholar will be free to explore new research directions that align with project objectives and broaden their expertise in hydrology, soil risk assessment, and data science.  Postdoctoral scholar apppointments are 12 months, with a renewal process for the next academic year.

Essential Duties:

Data Collection and Processing: Gather legacy and newly created datasets related to soil health, land use, climatic factors, and water availability. Ensure quality control and documentation for data sources, including historical datasets and real-time observations.

• Model Development: Apply statistical and machine learning techniques to develop robust soil risk projections. Integrate climate projections and other covariates to predict future soil erosion, compaction, salinity, and acidity.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with faculty and postdocs from ASU and TAMU to align modeling efforts with broader research objectives. Participate in team meetings and research discussions to facilitate knowledge exchange.
• Scientific Communication: Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at academic conferences. Contribute to project deliverables and sponsor reports, detailing methodological advances and results.

 Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Disciplinary Breadth: Foundational knowledge in water resources management, soil science, and environmental modeling. Familiarity with risk assessment frameworks for soil erosion, salinity, and related factors.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in computational methods, including statistical modeling or machine learning for environmental data. Skill in programming languages (e.g., Python) and data management platforms.
• Research Design and Analysis: Capacity to design experiments or analytical protocols to address project goals. Knowledge of geospatial analysis, remote sensing data, and climate models.
• Communication and Collaboration: Ability to synthesize research findings into written reports, journal manuscripts, and conference presentations. Willingness to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including faculty, researchers, and industry partners.

Qualifications

Qualification:

1. Educational Background: PhD in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Soil Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related fields.
2. Terminal degree is required at the time of appointment.  
3. Research Experience: Publication record in peer-reviewed journals, particularly in areas related to environmental engineering, data science, or soil and water systems.
4. Technical Capabilities: Proficiency in numerical methods, geospatial analysis, or AI-based modeling tools.
5. Postdoctoral scholar is within five years from receipt of the doctoral degree.

Application Instructions

Application Instructions

The application deadline is May 25, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. An early start date (Mid June) is preferred; however, depending on the circumstances, a later start date and remote work may be possible.  To apply, visit https://hiring.engineering.asu.edu/ and select “apply now” next to the corresponding position.  Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement describing research interests, previous achievements in research and development related to the Desired Qualifications mentioned above (two pages maximum)
• Contact information for three references

 The ASU Charter states, “ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.” The Fulton Schools of Engineering are dedicated to cultivating excellence, delivering innovation that matters, encouraging bold thinking, fostering a community of learning and collaboration, and building a foundation for all to be successful. Applicants are encouraged to address how their past, current, and future activities align with the ASU Charter and Fulton Schools of Engineering values in their application materials. 

For additional information regarding position specifics, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Saurav Kumar via email at sk2@asu.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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