Postdoctoral Research Associate, ATUR Project

Position Highlights

The Arizona Institute for Resilience (AIR) at the University of Arizona (U of A) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate, ATUR Project, as part of the Arizona Tri-University Research (ATUR) project, a collaborative effort involving the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University (NAU), and Arizona State University (ASU), in partnership with the Arizona Department of Water Resources (DWR).

The successful candidate will serve as a research leader and mentor for graduate student research while contributing substantially to the project's goals of advancing our understanding of groundwater recharge across Arizona. This position offers an opportunity to engage with an interdisciplinary team including hydrologists and water resource managers working to address critical challenges in Arizona's water sustainability. The initial appointment will be for one year due to the availability of funding. This position offers a competitive salary with U of A standard benefits for postdoctoral scholars.

Arizona faces critical water security challenges due to increasing demand, climate variability, and the ongoing Colorado River megadrought, with groundwater currently supplying approximately 40% of the state's water needs. The ATUR project seeks to develop science-based strategies for enhanced groundwater recharge across the state by quantifying existing recharge rates, identifying geologically suitable locations for recharge, and evaluating the effectiveness of various recharge methods. A specific focus of this component is understanding subsurface structures that can facilitate focused recharge (e.g. sinkholes, losing/gaining streams). By developing improved understanding of recharge mechanisms, distribution, and susceptibility across the state, the project can identify safe locations for enhanced recharge activities and support informed water management decisions that enable Arizona to pursue water security goals while managing associated risks.

Arizona Institute for Resilience - Solutions for Environment and Society

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and pursue independent research questions aligned with ATUR goals.
• Lead identification, development, and submission of grant proposals to secure external funding for continued and expanded research efforts.
• Develop and deliver public-facing presentations and educational materials to disseminate research findings to stakeholders, government agencies, and community members.
• Lead and supervise future dye trace studies (based at NAU), including project design, field implementation, and data analysis, to characterize groundwater flow paths and evaluate groundwater-surface water interactions.
• Mentor graduate students conducting statewide sinkhole analyses, including field-based ground testing and subsurface characterization.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed journal publications, technical reports, with emphasis on manuscript completion and publication success.
• Dissemination of research results at national and international conference presentations.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary team members across three universities and collaborate with stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong background in groundwater hydrology.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with ability to present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in computer programming (R, Python, or similar languages).

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with sinkholes, subsidence, or related hydrogeologic hazards.
• Experience with dye tracing and tracer methods in groundwater studies.
• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate students.
• Experience with machine learning techniques.
• Experience with field-based hydrological investigations.
• Expertise in GIS and spatial analysis of large hydrological and geological datasets.
• Demonstrated commitment to science communication and public engagement.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)