The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Louisville (UofL) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar for an interdisciplinary project funded by the NSF EPSCoR Track 1 CLIMBS program titled, “Flood Prediction and Impact Evaluation in a Changing Climate: Understanding Past and Present to Predict, Prepare, and Respond.” This project focuses on improving flash flood predictions in headwater streams across Kentucky considering climate and land use change (see more information on the project here).
Key tasks include 1) designing and deploying telemetry-networked systems to increase monitoring of discharge, soil moisture, precipitation, and more in nested catchments in central Appalachia; 2) conducting data warehousing, QA/QC, and sensor maintenance; 3) developing models (e.g., process-based, machine learning, or a combination of the two) to complement existing predictions of flash floods in eastern Kentucky; 4) using model outputs to assess impacts to critical infrastructure; 5) communicating research findings via peer-reviewed scientific journals; 6) developing data visualization platforms; and 7) other tasks aligned with the project goals.
The postdoctoral scholar will work under the mentorship of Dr. Tyler Mahoney in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at UofL. Dr. Mahoney’s research focuses on understanding the transport of water and sediment within watersheds (see Dr. Mahoney’s Google Scholar page here).
Successful candidates will demonstrate the following qualifications and skills in their application:
- A PhD in Civil Engineering with a focus on hydrology, hydrologic modeling, environmental science, or a related field,
- excellent written and verbal communication skills,
- a strong understanding of hydrology, environmental science, or a similar discipline,
- an ability to formulate, parameterize, and evaluate either process-based or machine learning hydrologic models,
- a strong ability to code (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R) and utilize software such as GIS,
- a strong understanding of calculus, physics, numerical methods, and/or statistics, and
- the ability to effectively collaborate as well as work independently.
Candidates should anticipate starting the position in the Spring or Summer of 2025. Funding for the position is expected to last for one year, with the potential for renewal depending on performance. Starting salary is $56,484, plus benefits.
Interested applicants are asked to submit the following material to Dr. Mahoney via email: 1) a one-page personal statement demonstrating your interest in the project, career goals, and qualifications; 2) a resume or CV detailing previous experience, relevant skills, and any publications; and 3) an unofficial transcript that highlights relevant classes taken. Please submit applications to tyler.mahoney@louisville.edu.
Review for applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Please direct questions to Dr. Mahoney: tyler.mahoney@louisville.edu.
