The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Utah State University (USU) is seeking a post-doctoral scholar II 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 September 2024, but the positions 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.

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 conceptualization and parameterization. The post-doctoral scholar will work independently and collaboratively on the following topic:

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.

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 in the subsurface.
• Expertise in Big Data, machine learning, and/or hydrologic modeling.
• 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 visa.

Along with the online application, please attach:

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

2. Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application.

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

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.

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.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. 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. 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.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. 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. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 04/2024

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