Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Posting Number: F-0983

College/Unit: College of Science and Engineering

Home Department: Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Employee Group: Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Employment Status: Full-Time

Position Type: 12 month

Position Classification: Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Position Begin Date: 01/06/2026

Position End Date: 01/05/2027

Position Summary:

Drs. Wendy Robertson and Roderick Lammers at Central Michigan University are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to work on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of flood impacts in Michigan.

The postdoctoral research fellow will work as part of a team on the Building Predictive Capacity to Enhance Stormwater Infrastructure and Flood Resilience project. This project is focused on providing community-relevant information for Michigan to enhance resilience to flood hazards. The project aims to produce data and tools that will help communities plan for flood resilience in three pilot watersheds in Michigan: the Chippewa River, Lower Grand River, and Rouge River watersheds. The project will use model outputs of precipitation patterns with hydrologic and hydraulic models to quantify potential flood impacts in the study watersheds. The project is supported by the Department of Energy Resiliency Center program and will involve engagement of community partners to assess relevant data.

Experience with hydrologic and/or hydraulic modeling is required. The ideal candidate would have experience specifically with one or more of the following models: WRF-Hydro, Advanced Terrestrial Simulator (ATS), Stormwater Management Model (SWMM), and/or Hydrologic Engineering Center – River Analysis System (HEC-RAS). The appointee is expected to carry out their research responsibilities with limited guidance.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Watershed Hydrology, or a related field (received within the last six years). ABD candidates will be considered, provided the degree is conferred by the start date of the appointment.
• Experience with hydrologic and/or hydraulic modeling.
• Experience with one or more scripting languages (Python, R, or similar) to create model inputs and analyze model outputs.
• Ability to work independently in a research setting, as well as collaboratively as a team member.
• Experience writing scientific journal articles.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Experience with one or more of the following models: WRF-Hydro, ATS, SWMM, and/or HEC-RAS.
• Experience with high-performance computing and Linux command line.

Message to Applicants:

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.

Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

About the Department:

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at CMU is a multidisciplinary department with expertise spanning Earth System Science, with a vibrant and collaborative environment and a strong reputation for scholarship and student outcomes. EAS offers B.S. degrees in Environmental Science, Meteorology, and Geology, and participates in the interdisciplinary Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program. We serve approximately 100 majors and minors across our programs and have a strong history of successful internship, career, and graduate school placements. More information about our department can be found at www.eas.cmich.edu.