• Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hydrogeology

    Illinois State Water Survey

    Postdoctoral Research Associate  – Hydrogeology
    Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) 
    Prairie Research Institute
    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) at the Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research and analysis focused on evaluating feasibility of managed aquifer recharge in shallow aquifers through hydrogeologic modeling and related activities in support of ongoing projects 

    The successful candidate will work on:

    Research (65%)

    • Conduct scientific assessments of groundwater, well records, and geospatial data
    • Evaluate the feasibility of groundwater recharge through engineered means
    • Assist with groundwater model development
    • Develop code for analyzing geospatial and groundwater data
    • Develop computer codes to interface between databases and groundwater flow models
    • Review discipline literature to stay up to date
    • Development of novel scientific research ideas to propose to local and national funding agencies

    Research – Field work/Data Collection (10%)

    • Contact property owners to obtain site access and gather site data
    • Measure groundwater levels at wells
    • Collect groundwater and/or surface water quality samples

    Research – Publications (10%)

    • Prepare research materials for online content including maps and figures
    • Compose and publish reports and manuscripts for stakeholders and scientific peers
    • Present research findings to stakeholders, scientific peers, and at conferences

    Research – Outreach (10%)

    • Meet with local stakeholders and planning groups to discuss research progress and findings
    • Prepare presentations and interactive applications for use in meetings
    • Contact additional community leaders and groups to understand local issues

    Other - (5%)

    • Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.

    Qualifications:

    Education:

    Required: PhD in Water Resources, Earth Sciences, Engineering, or closely related field. 

    Experience:

    Required: College coursework in hydrology, hydrogeologic modeling, aqueous geochemistry, and/or geospatial sciences. Research experience using Python (i.e., pandas/geopandas, Flopy, virtual environments), MODFLOW, and ArcGIS.

    Preferred: Experience of 2-4 years working on groundwater modeling and research. Experience with groundwater sampling standard operation procedures and methods. Experience with other research and hydrologic modeling software—e.g., Microsoft Access, SQL, ParFlow, SWMM, GitHub, Adobe Illustrator.

    Training, Licenses, Certifications:

    Required: Valid Driver’s License

    Knowledge Requirements:

    Effective communication of technical scientific concepts, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision.  Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases.

    Environmental Demands:

    Will require occasional work in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois working irregular hours and overnights; lifting and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

    Interested candidates please email a copy of your CV/Resume along with contact information for (3) three Professional reference to Devin Mannix (mannix@illinois.edu).