Postdoctoral Research Associate Position Available in Sediment-Transport Modeling and Fluvial Geomorphology

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Davis, in cooperation with the Center for Watershed Sciences, seeks to fill one Postdoctoral Research Associate Position in Sediment-Transport Modeling and Fluvial Geomorphology. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The position will remain open until filled, with a preferred start date of November 1, 2023.  We expect that the initial appointment will be for 2 years, contingent upon job performance, with the reappointment possible thereafter pending continued funding and mutual agreement.

Background

A collaborative research team – from UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and California State University at Monterey Bay – is conducting applied research on the Pajaro River in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California.  The research is focused on evaluating the synergistic benefits of a large levee setback and floodplain reconnection project.  Work at UC Davis focuses on the fluvial morphology and dynamics of the Pajaro River, including sediment transport.  Funding for university involvement is from the UC Climate Action Initiative, and the academic team is engaged with a large network of agency and private-sector project partners.

The successful applicant for this position will interact extensively with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, both at UC Davis and in the larger collaboration, working on rivers, watershed, flooding, and flood-risk management. 

The successful candidate for this position will have a PhD in hand and a track record of research and publication in sediment transport, fluvial geomorphology, and/or hydraulic modeling of fluvial systems.  Experience with two-dimensional modeling is preferred, including 2D sediment-transport modeling in HEC-RAS or the ability to learn.  The successful applicant will have documented experience using and managing high-resolution topographic datasets including LiDAR-based data.  Experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis using ArcGIS, Python programming, and statistical analysis using R is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in hydraulic engineering, geology, hydrologic science, or a related field.  Candidates must be within the first 5 years of their Ph.D. degree date, as per UC Davis policy.
• Expertise in sediment transport, fluvial geomorphology, and/or hydraulic modeling of rivers and streams
• Experience using ArcGIS, or related geospatial software
• Demonstrated oral and written communication and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Research and experience specifically focused on sediment transport
• Experience managing and analyzing high-resolution topographic datasets
• Skilled in Python programming
• Geospatial database management skills
• A strong publication record or the potential for developing one.

Our team believes in and values the power of diversity, thus applicants from historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. (See https://grad.ucdavis.edu/postdoctoral-scholar-appointment-and-promotion).

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• A one‐page cover letter
• A current curriculum vitae (CV)
• 2 sample publications in the candidate’s area of research
• A summary statement of 350-450 words about your interest in floodplain reconnection research and applications
• Names and contact information of at least two references familiar with your work

Please submit materials to Prof. Nicholas Pinter (npinter@ucdavis.edu), with “Floodplain Reconnection Postdoc Application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive.  The position will remain open until filled, with a preferred start date of November 1, 2023.