Post-Doctoral Associate​/Hydrology & Climate), UMN Climate Adaptation

The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership is seeking a Post-Doctoral Associate in Hydrology & Climate for a full-time, 2-year term position. The role involves conducting research on climate change impacts on hydrological processes, engaging with community stakeholders, and translating findings into practical resources. Candidates should have a PhD in a related field and experience in hydrological modeling and climate change analysis. The position is remote.
Post-Doctoral Associate (Hydrology & Climate), UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership

Organization/Grantor: University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership

Type/Term: Full-time, 2-year Term

Salary: $61,008+ annually

Contact Info: Amanda Farris, afarris

Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher with experience in hydrology and climate variability and change. 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.

Responsibilities:
• 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 down scaled 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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:
• 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.

How to Apply:

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…