Postdoctoral Fellow - Water Resources - 530855

The University of Alabama • Tuscaloosa, AL

6d • $54,000 - $67,500

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Fellow continues scholarly activity and research after completing a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree, under the direction of a senior faculty mentor. This position supports collaborative research between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the University of Alabama to understand water, soil, and sediment dynamics across critical environmental interfaces. Research examines how human landscape modification affects water quantity, water quality, and sediment transport in laboratory and field settings.

The Fellow uses advanced experimental facilities and instrumentation—including recirculating flumes, velocity measurement systems, spectroscopic tools, and numerical modeling platforms—to investigate hydrologic and sediment processes. The role works closely with USGS scientists and University faculty at the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, a national hub for hydrologic instrumentation development, testing, training, and workforce development. The Fellow contributes to applied research, technology advancement, and scientific capacity building that supports nationwide water monitoring and research programs. Professional development includes seminars, workshops, and collaborative research activities within the USGS network.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in civil engineering, geography, electrical engineering, computer science, geoscience, or a related field; the degree must be completed by the start of employment.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident due to funding-source requirements.
• Knowledge of hydrologic, hydraulic, and sediment transport processes.
• Proficiency operating research instrumentation, including recirculating flumes, velocity measurement systems, and spectroscopic or geophysical sensors.
• Ability to collect, process, and analyze complex environmental datasets.
• Proficiency with scientific programming and data analysis software.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Familiarity with laboratory and field safety protocols.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research environments.
• Ability to independently manage research tasks and timelines.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with coupled hydrodynamic, hydraulic, or sediment transport modeling.
• Experience with numerical and computational modeling of water and sediment systems.
• Experience designing and conducting laboratory and field experiments.
• Experience with federally funded or multi-institutional research projects.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications or technical reports.
• Experience with advanced laboratory and field instrumentation in environmental or water-resources research.
• Experience with USGS data standards, quality assurance practices, or monitoring programs.
• Experience mentoring graduate students or junior researchers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct collaborative research on water, soil, and sediment dynamics and the effects of human landscape modification on water quantity, water quality, and sediment transport.
• Use research instrumentation and numerical modeling platforms to investigate hydrologic and sediment processes in laboratory and field environments.
• Work with USGS scientists and University faculty at the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility.
• Contribute to applied research, technology advancement, and scientific capacity building supporting nationwide water monitoring and research programs.
• Participate in seminars, workshops, and collaborative research activities within the USGS network.
• Collect, process, and analyze environmental datasets and prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree