Postdoctoral Associate

Details • Blacksburg, VA

5h

About The Position

We are seeking a visionary researcher to lead the development of transformative global water and infrastructure datasets that underpin AI and process-based hydrologic models. You will be responsible for creating the human-dimension inputs that power the Global Water Model. The successful candidate will join the Marston Research Group within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech. While the primary focus is to conduct and disseminate high-impact research on human-water systems, the is designed to accelerate your professional growth. Opportunities are provided for diverse career development activities, including: Skill Development: Acquiring new research techniques (e.g., AI/ML, data assimilation). Networking: Establishing a strong professional network within a multinational research consortium. Funding Acumen: Participating in proposal development. Leadership: Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Reporting: Preparing detailed research and progress reports. Teaching: Pursuing limited teaching opportunities as appropriate. A formalized mentoring plan will be co-developed with Dr. Marston at the start of the position to align these opportunities with your long-term career goals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Computer Science, Earth System Science, or related fields. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Strong proficiency in Python or R and experience with High-Performance Computing.
• Proficient communication skills.
• Track record of conducting original research and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in remote sensing or machine learning applications in environmental systems.
• Experience with Google Earth Engine, GIS, and/or AI agents for data processing.

Responsibilities

• Creating the human-dimension inputs that power the Global Water Model
• Conduct and disseminate high-impact research on human-water systems
• Acquiring new research techniques (e.g., AI/ML, data assimilation)
• Establishing a strong professional network within a multinational research consortium
• Participating in proposal development
• Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
• Preparing detailed research and progress reports
• Pursuing limited teaching opportunities as appropriate

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees