BACKGROUND
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHAS) Flood Apex Program was developed with goals to reduce flood fatalities and property losses, and to enhance community resilience to floods. Housed within the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, the Flood Apex Program aims to discover new tools, technologies, and solutions through strong partnerships. Discovery of new tools and technologies through partnerships aligns with the goals of the CUAHSI Summer Institute (SI), which is held under the auspices of the National Water Center (NWC) at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa with support from the National Weather Service. There is an opportunity to leverage the activities of the SI to advance the goals of the Flood Apex program.
CUAHSI is partnering with the DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s Flood APEX program to support a Postdoctoral RA who will conduct outcome-based research on flood analytics that supports the Flood Apex program. The RA will be expected to integrate this research into CUAHSI’s SI through active participation in the program. CUAHIS’s involvement aligns with the organization’s goal of advancing hydrologic science by strengthening multi-disciplinary collaboration, developing and operating research infrastructure, and promoting water education and training.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CRITERIA
Requirements for the positions include a Ph.D. in a field of study relevant to flooding, the ability to take initiative and work independently, and an interest in contributing to a dialogue across disciplinary boundaries. Applicants should submit a research proposal based on the guidelines below, including identification of a proposed faculty mentor. Proposals will be judged on scientific merit, an achievable research plan, and the degree to which the research contributes the Flood Apex program and goals of the Summer Institute. Letters of support will be requested from proposed mentors, so applicants will benefit from contacting proposed mentors early in the process. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please submit the following items at https://proposalspace.com/t/656H7U by March 31, 2020
- Cover letter describing your interest in the position;
- Current CV;
- Required project proposal (1,200 words maximum, excluding references): Proposals should briefly address the following points:
- Title and brief abstract
- Project background and importance: What is known and what is new about this question? Why does it matter?
- How does this project fit with your own previous work and your proposed mentor’s?
- Project plan: What will be done? How does this research support the Flood Apex program and the Summer Institute? Include a data management plan, and timeline or work plan if appropriate. If additional resources will be needed to complete the work, do you have options for funding them?
- Project outcomes: What products will come out of this project (e.g. articles, methods, datasets, policy briefs, educational materials)?
- References
- Two letters of reference from advisors or colleagues who know the applicant’s work well.
Proposals and letters of reference will be submitted through a direct link to ProposalSpace. Questions should be addressed to [email protected].
Useful resources on DHS Flood APEX and the Summer Institute:
- Flood APEX video
- Flood APEX 1-page factsheet
- Flood APEX infographic:
- Samples of Current Flood APEX Research projects:
- New Orleans Flood Resilience Experiment After Action Report
- Automated National Structures Inventory Project Fact Sheet
- Low Cost Flood Inundation Sensors
- Smart Flood Alerts Pilot
- Historical Flood Extents using LandSAT
- 2019 Summer Institute Technical Report.
