Research Associate 1- Physical Oceanography and Coastal Engineering

The University of Connecticut seeks a full-time Research Associate 1 in Physical Oceanography and Coastal Engineering at the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation. The role involves developing and testing numerical models, conducting field observations, and analyzing data related to coastal flooding and climate adaptation. Candidates should have a Ph.D. or a Master's with significant experience, and proficiency in scientific computing and programming is required.
Search #: 499467
Work type: Full-time
Location: UConn Avery Point
Categories: Research

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks applicants for the position of Research Associate 1- Physical Oceanography and Coastal Engineering at the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA). CIRCA is a multi‐disciplinary center that coordinates applied research and engagement programs to develop and advance practical solutions to problems caused by the changing climate.

The appointee will work in the research team supervised by the Associate Director of Research, on projects that include the prediction of flooding in coastal areas, wave runup and coastal erosion, sea level change, and coastal subsidence, and the effectiveness of living shorelines or other adaptation options. The RA will participate in the development, testing, and application of numerical models, and the co-design, execution, and data analysis of observation programs to evaluate models and the effectiveness of interventions. Communication of results to both the science community, and the public will be required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop, test, and execute simulations of wave and storm surge impacts and compound flooding and coastal inundation using community models.
• Participate in field work/observation campaigns (e.g., water levels, currents, waves, morphology); manage data QA/QC and metadata.
• Conduct critical analysis, uncertainty assessment, and model–observation skill evaluation; prepare technical reports, data products, and publications. Prepare journal articles and conference papers.
• Present results at municipal/regional workshops and stakeholder meetings on climate resilience and adaptation.
• Collaborate across disciplines (engineering, ecology, planning, social science, etc.) to support applied resilience projects.
• May participate in the planning, development, and implementation of grant proposals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Ph.D. in physical oceanography, coastal engineering, or a closely related field OR a Master’s Degree with at least eight years of post-degree experience.
• Experience with modern, community models of coastal circulation and wave dynamics (i.e., FVCOM, ROMS, Wavewatch III, ADCIRC).
• Proficiency with scientific computing (Linux/HPC, job schedulers, containers, version control) and numerical workflows.
• Experience programming for data analysis and model workflows (e.g., Python, MATLAB; FORTRAN/C familiarity for model configuration).
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and experience working effectively with a team of collaborators.
• Ability to travel throughout the State of Connecticut and the New England region, and participate in occasional evening and weekend meetings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• A record of peer-reviewed reports and publications.
• Experience with oceanographic fieldwork.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, grant-funded, 12-month position. This position is subject to annual renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance and budget funding. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP). The successful candidate’s academic appointment would start as soon as possible at the Avery Point campus in Groton, CT.

This position requires the ability to travel throughout the State of Connecticut and the New England region and participate in occasional evening and weekend meetings. Additionally, the selected incumbent must be available to begin work at UConn Avery Point in Groton, Connecticut, within one month of the offer.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499467 and submit the following application materials: resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 10, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

Advertised: Feb 24 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Apr 10 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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