We seek a postdoctoral (postdoc) researcher focused on the hydrologic and geomorphic responses to wildfires. The position will be part of a well-supported research team based at the University of Idaho and Forestry Sciences Laboratory (USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station) in Moscow, Idaho. The postdoc will work on enhancing our post-wildfire sediment and ash transport modeling efforts and integrating watershed models of various scales (FS WEPP Interfaces: https://forest.moscowfsl.wsu.edu/fswepp/ and WEPPcloud: https://wepp.cloud/weppcloud/). Field data collection, data synthesis from post-wildfire experiments and post-fire watershed modeling developments will be part of this position. We anticipate a two-year position, subject to continued funding and performance. The postdoc will be joining an established research team focused on the development of geospatial decision support tools for pre-fire and post-fire watershed management. Close collaboration with stakeholders (federal hydrologists, soil scientists, municipal watershed managers, state hydrologists and soil scientists) will be required.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct hydrologic modeling of post-wildfire landscapes using tools such as the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) and WEPPcloud.
- Analyze and compare the effects of wildfires on hydrology and soil erosion at watershed scales.
- Collaborate with land and water managers, including Forest Service personnel, to develop actionable insights for wildfire recovery efforts.
- Contribute to the calibration, validation, and application of erosion and sediment transport models.
- Contribute to field data collection and analysis of ongoing and planned field studies.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Qualifications:
- Hydrology, Water Resources, Soils, Agronomy, Environmental Chemistry, Civil/Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience with hydrologic or erosion modeling (e.g., WEPP, SWAT, etc.).
- Strong background in GIS, remote sensing, Python/R/Fortran programming, and basic spatial modeling, statistics, and data analysis.
- Familiarity with post-fire landscape processes and soil-water interactions is preferred.
- Experience in geospatial analysis, large datasets, and cloud computing is desirable.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and benefits package, and financial support to participate in relevant conferences.
- Opportunity to collaborate with the USDA Forest Service on impactful research.
Application:
Please submit a Personal Statement, Curriculum Vitae, Unofficial Transcripts, and contact information for three references, to: mdobre@uidaho.edu.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
For more information, please contact Mariana Dobre at mdobre@uidaho.edu.
