Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Hydrogeophysics

Department Org: Environmental Sciences - 101250

Employee Classification: P1 - Post Doctoral Assoc FT-MC

Bargaining Unit: Bargaining Unit Exempt

Primary Location: Main Campus - Academic

Shift: 1

Posted Salary: Salary commensurable based on experience

Job Description:

The Department of Environmental Sciences, The University of Toledo, OH, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will combine a coupled surface-subsurface flow model with field hydrogeophysical measurements to investigate subsurface hydrological response to flooding and droughts and their control on biogeochemical transformation and fluxes within coastal terrestrial and aquatic interfaces (TAIs). The spatial and temporal distribution of biogeochemical hotspots/moments depends on sediment types and properties, as well as groundwater flow strength and direction, which is non-uniform. Geophysical techniques, in combination with hydrogeological and in situ parameter measurements, can be used to improve model parameterizations.

This position is part of the DOE-funded project – Coastal Observation, Mechanism, and Predictions Across Systems and Scales - Field Measurements and Experiments (COMPASS-FME). This large project is led by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in collaboration with multiple partners, including the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) and Argonne National Lab. The COMPASS - FME project aims to understand the coupled interactions of plants, microbes, soils/sediments, and hydrology within coastal systems to inform multi-scale, integrated models from reaction scales to the coastal interface. The project’s research emphasis is primarily on terrestrial and wetland processes that are influenced by coastal waters, such as the fluxes and transformations of carbon, nutrients, and redox elements through these systems. This project includes several national labs and research institutions in the W. Basin of Lake Erie and Chesapeake Bay, affording the successful candidate the opportunity for exciting and diverse collaborations. This postdoc will be based at U. Toledo but will work closely with colleagues at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

The incumbent will work on key research directions such as: [1] developing a coupled surface-subsurface hydrological model using the Amanzi-based Advance Terrestrial Simulator (ATS) & PFLOTRAN to simulate flow, solute transport, and reactions in response to hydrological disturbances. [2] conducting field hydrogeophysics measurements to inform the model developed in [1]. This includes but is not limited to well installation and testing and geophysical measurements. The incumbent will also be responsible for coordinating and implementing field research, installation, and sampling at both research sites while co-supervising graduate and undergraduate students. Close collaboration with project partners and scientists at PNNL, LNLL, Heidelberg University and The University of Toledo is expected.

The University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution, consistent with its obligations as a federal contractor. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. It is committed to protecting the constitutional and statutory civil rights of persons connected with the University. dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, dual-career professionals and covered veterans.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/experience/licensing:
• A minimum of a PhD degree in geophysics, hydrogeology, geology, environmental sciences, civil/environmental engineering, or other related discipline.
• Experience with coupled surface and groundwater flow and transport modeling e.g. with ATS, Hydrogeosphere, or related code
• Experience with programming in Python, Matlab, R, or other languages
• Experience with field geophysical and or hydrogeological methods
• Willingness and ability to engage in intensive field research activities, including spending significant time outdoors, operating and maintaining equipment, etc.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• A strong quantitative and analytical ability

Communication and other skills:
• Effective communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability and desire to collaborate with a large multi-institutional collaborative team
• Ability to work without close supervision and to make decisions concerning weather conditions and other logistical factors
• Ability to work closely with students, faculty, and other staff to maintain the research efficiency of the project.

Conditions of Employment:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Toledo is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. The University of Toledo does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, disability, familial status, or political affiliation.

The University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, dual-career professionals and covered veterans.

The University of Toledo provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to complete this application, or for testing or interviewing, please contact the Human Resources Department at 419-530-4747 between the hours of 8:30AM and 5:00PM or apply online for an accommodation request.

Computer access is available at most public libraries and at the Office of Human Resources located in the Center for Administrative Support on the Main Campus of the University of Toledo.