Post-Doctoral Associate (Hydrology & Climate)

Working Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hydrology & Climate
Department: Soil, Water and Climate, CFANS
Appointment: Full time
Advisors: Dr. Heidi Roop
Office Location: St. Paul campus, with the possibility of some remote work

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher with experience in hydrology and climate variability and change to join our growing, interdisciplinary team. The successful candidate will conduct applied research focused on analyzing the impacts of climate change on hydrological processes in Minnesota, with a focus on changing patterns of extreme precipitation and drought. This role will involve modeling future hydrological changes at a watershed scale, engaging with
community stakeholders, and translating scientific findings into practical resources for planning and decision making with a focus on informing climate adaptation strategies.

This position will work closely with external partners including Great River Greening and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), on a research project focused on developing hydrological data using future climate projections and creating actionable resources to support effective decision-making. This applied and co-produced research project will advance the fields of hydrological modeling and climate adaptation science.

This position will work closely with MCAP's Research Hydrologist (TBH) on this and potentially other water resources and hydrology research within MCAP's broader climate adaptation and resilience portfolio.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing data and metadata for this research project and providing leadership on the research aspects of the grant, including publishing peer-reviewed articles. The candidate will also participate in regular team meetings and community engagement opportunities and will be responsible for other organizational duties as assigned in a professional and timely manner. The position will be funded for 2 years contingent upon satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities:

(1) Hydrological Modeling (40%)
* Utilize distributed hydrologic models, including coding and running models, to assess future changes in surface water resources in response to projected climate extremes, including the incorporation of dynamically downscaled future climate projections into existing hydrological models
* Conduct statistical analyses to characterize the impact of climate variability and change on hydrological extremes
* Analyze pilot watersheds to understand the effects of changing precipitation patterns and drought conditions on soil moisture, lake levels, groundwater and surface water

(2) Resource Development & Science Communication (20%)
* Translate complex hydrological modeling results into accessible formats for diverse audiences, including state and local governments, agricultural producers, and conservation practitioners
* Develop and contribute to the creation of online tools and resources, extension programming, and communication materials that synthesize research outcomes

(3) External Engagement (10%)
* Participate in workshops to gather input from communities, adaptation and water resource practitioners, and rights holders on their specific data and information needs
* Collaboration with these audiences to ensure research findings are relevant and actionable

(4) Publication and Research Dissemination (15%)
* Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and regional conferences.
* Engage in outreach efforts to promote awareness and application of research outcomes among stakeholders.

(5) MCAP Team Engagement (15%)
* Actively engage as a member of the MCAP team, including regular updates to the team about the project (e.g., weekly Slack check-ins); participation in monthly meetings, staff development, and other team meetings and activities; and support for MCAP-wide activities, as requested

Required Qualifications:
* PhD at time of appointment in hydrology, environmental science, civil engineering, or a related field
* Strong background in hydrological modeling and analysis, particularly in the context of climate change impacts
* Proficiency in relevant modeling software (e.g., SWAT, HSPF, NOAA National Water Model) and statistical analysis tools (e.g., R, Python)
* Knowledge of climate adaptation and resilience research principles and practices
* Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
* Demonstrated experience in writing, communication, stakeholder engagement
* Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
* Ability to travel within the State of Minnesota and regionally for stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, and other collaborative interactions
* Excellent organizational skills, self-starter, autonomous and responsible - must be able to track and meet deadlines
* Expertise in MS Office, especially Excel, Google Suite, and remote office platforms such as Slack and Zoom

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with github and reproducible workflows
* Experience in collaborative research interactions including with a variety of disciplines, agencies, and organizations
* Experience in communicating complex scientific information including through oral, written, and graphic/image formats in clear and concise language appropriate for a range of audiences (e.g., scientists, community members, decision makers, etc.)
* Experience with project management and delivering products in a timely manner
* Experience in presenting project results to a range of audiences
* Experience hosting stakeholder workshops or training sessions
* Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization

About MCAP
The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) is a joint program of University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. MCAP conducts applied climate and adaptation research, champions climate leadership, and advances implementation of effective, equitable adaptation throughout Minnesota. MCAP actively partners directly with state, federal and local governments, the private sector, non-profit, tribal nations, community organizations, and individuals.

This position is hired through the Department of Soil, Water and Climate in CFANS on the St. Paul, MN campus of the U of MN.

Pay Range: $61,008+, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. This position requires that you attach the following:

* Cover letter (2-page max) outlining interest in the position and how it aligns with career goals, research interests, and interest and/or experience in the coproduction of actionable science.
* CV
* Two relevant publications
* List of three references

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

HIRING MANAGER: Amanda Farris, afarris@umn.edu

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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