Postdoctoral Research Associate I in Increasing Water Supply Availability Via Enhanced Recharge of Water

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ, USA 🇺🇸

Posting Numberreq13753
DepartmentSch of Nat Resource&Enviro-Res
Department Website Linkhttps://nature.arizona.edu/
LocationMain Campus
AddressTucson, AZ USA
Position HighlightsOverall Project Description:
A tri-University hydrologic research team consisting of researchers from University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and Arizona State University is collaborating to address needs expressed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (DWR) to identify areas where water that would otherwise evaporate could be captured for underground storage without affecting surface water flows. This team will be conducting research activities to assess the potential to increase water supply availability in Arizona via enhanced recharge of water via unallocated sources throughout the state in the context of climate change. This is a great opportunity to engage with a variety of actors involved in water management in the Western U.S., which are actively seeking solutions to address decreasing water supplies due to the ongoing millennium megadrought.

Postdoctoral project:
As part of this team, we are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to examine how management of natural environment (forests, woodlands, grasslands) can be used to help increase water in our landscapes, including enhanced runoff and recharge and/or reductions in evapotranspiration. Some topics include: 1) using model simulations and empirical observations to understand how vegetation cover impacts snow accumulation and melt, evapotranspiration, runoff, and recharge across grasslands and forested areas in Arizona, 2) examining how changes in forest and land management practices could influence the hydrologic cycle, within the context of climate change, and 3) identifying areas where this management may have the greatest potential to increase water available for recharge.

Desirable candidates will be familiar with hydrologic analysis techniques and tools, including remote sensing, GIS, hydrologic modelling, and multiple forms of observed or model-derived spatial and/or temporal data sets.  In addition, candidates should be motivated to work in an applied, interdisciplinary context with multiple stakeholders.

The postdoc will work closely with Dr. Jia Hu, Dr. Patrick Broxton, and Dr. Wim van Leeuwen. The start date is expected in early to mid 2023. This is a year-to-year appointment with up to a three-year renewed appointment, upon satisfactory performance.Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please visit talent.arizona.edu
Duties & ResponsibilitiesConduct independent or team-based research aimed at understanding the potential to increase unallocated recharge in Arizona. Conduct quantitative hydrological/ecological/modeling analyses, both independently and as directed by PI or senior scientist.Develop reports and scientific publications.Represent the research team in various scientific conferences and technical forums.Regularly interact with additional partners and stakeholders within and beyond the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University.
Minimum QualificationsPhD in Ecohydrology, Hydrology, Watershed Management, or related fields upon date of hire.Strong scientific communication experience, demonstrated by participation in multiple scientific conferences and development of peer review publications.Experience with scientific programming languages such as MATLAB, R, and/or Python.Experience using GIS and statistical software to develop and analyze spatiotemporal datasets.
Preferred QualificationsExperience with remote sensing and/or climate model data.Experience with hydrologic modelling tools and techniques.Experience performing fieldwork to support hydrologic and ecologic studies.Experience with stakeholder engagement.
FLSAExempt
Full Time/Part TimeFull Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week40
Job FTE1.0
Work CalendarFiscal
Job CategoryResearch
Benefits EligibleYes – Limited Benefits
Rate of Pay$56,000
Compensation Typesalary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for CandidatesJia Hu
Jiahu@arizona.edu
Open Date2/17/2023
Open Until FilledYes
Documents Needed to ApplyCurriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document
Special Instructions to ApplicantPlease provide a writing sample, such as a prior publication or report, as the additional document requested with the application materials.
Diversity StatementAt the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development