Postdoctoral Fellow in Water Resources

Job Posting Title:

Postdoctoral Fellow in Water Resources

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Hiring Department:

Bureau of Economic Geology

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 04, 2025

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Location:

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General

This position, located at J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin, is geared towards a researcher with a strong and multifaceted background in remote sensing, programming, data analytics, and numerical/analytical modeling in the context of hydrology/hydrogeology to support existing and forthcoming projects in the BEG water resources group.

Purpose
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a postdoctoral fellow position (term subject to performance and research program needs/funding) to assist with a new research program largely focused on mapping disadvantaged communities (colonias) in Texas. A key focus of the research program is to use remote sensing and machine learning techniques to map and characterize the evolution of colonias through time. Essential for this position is the ability to a) implement remote sensing techniques to map the evolution of colonias through time, b) consider social and environmental stressors (including floods) on resident populations, and c) coordinate with academic and government collaborators from a wide array of backgrounds. This individual would also be an active member of the research team, participating in scientific activities (presentations, proposals, meetings) as needed.

Responsibilities

• Work with remote sensing datasets, landsat, high resolution products, apply data analytics and interpretation techniques, map and interpret data using geoprocessing tools and GIS platforms, including Google Earth Engine and Python.
• Contribute to the publication of scientific papers, present findings at scholarly meetings and to stakeholders.
• Collaborate and coordinate with research program team members and participate in program development through proposals and other fund raising.
• Provide support and service, as needed, to supervisor, BEG and the Jackson School, if possible.

Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in Earth Science (e.g. Hydrology, Geology, Geography), Civil Engineering, Computer Science or closely related field. Demonstrated experience and aptitude in a hydrology context with experience in: (a) remote sensing data products, (b) data analytics, data wrangling, data management, and data synthesis, (c) machine learning approaches for mapping, (d) numerical and analytical modeling environments (e.g. Python), and (e) geoprocessing and GIS analytics. Demonstrated ability to effectively, disseminate research project results to professional peers. Experience working within an integrated team of scientists, engineers, and economists in a dynamic environment. Experience meeting deadlines. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.

PhD must have been received within 3 years of date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated aptitude and experience with: (a) assembling and synthesizing disparate remote sensing products for mapping building/infrastructure development, (b) assessing flood vulnerability, (c) artificial intelligence/machine learning techniques applied to mapping buildings and flood exposure, (d) surface water flow and flood modeling, and (e) social vulnerability metrics.

Salary Range
$65,000+ depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• May work in all weather conditions
• May work in extreme temperatures
• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadlines
• Fieldwork as necessary

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information
• Letter of interest

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Employment Eligibility:

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.