Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences - UTK

The computational hydrology lab at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences (EEPS) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the lab in the spring of 2027. The postdoc will conduct independent research on the general topic of Hydrogeologic and geomorphologic changes, and interplays between them, in various settings – from headwaters to coasts. In addition, the postdoc will mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab, as well as develop proposals for funding for future research.

The desired start date for this position is January 1 st 2027, but there is some flexibility.

• Remote sensing applications in hydrology and geomorphology
• Programming and Machine Learning algorithms for big-data analysis
• Process-based modeling experience with tools such as Hydro Geo Sphere , MODFLOW, FEFLOW, DELFT3D, or others.
• Research experience deeply connected to hydrological applications (fieldwork experience is optional)
• Strong publication record (commensurate with stage) in relevant journals

• Conduct research in the realm of hydrogeology, with particular emphasis on interactions with geomorphology
• Mentor students in the lab in collaboration with the PI
• Apply for external grants to secure funding for future work
• Participate in group and departmental activities and contribute to the culture, including weekly seminars, group meetings, special events, and more.
• (Optional):
  Co-teach with the PI to gain crucial experience in the academic environment

• Education:
  
  PhD in hydrology, geomorphology, or a related field
• Experience:
  
  Record of publication (commensurate with career stage)
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  Remote sensing, hydrological modeling

• Experience:
  
  Grant writing
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  Fieldwork, academic teaching

• The work will be primarily conducted on campus at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (in Strong Hall). The selected candidate will be expected to reside in Knoxville and participate in person in departmental and lab activities such as seminars, group meetings, special events and more. Working remotely part of the time is acceptable.

• Anticipated hiring range: $55,000 - $60,000
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (EEPS) is home to a multi-disciplinary group of faculty, spanning four main pillars:
Geology, Paleontology, Planetary, and Environmental Sciences. The culture in the department emphasizes collaborations and communications among researchers across these four pillars. Postdoctoral researchers are given departmental support in their career planning and professional development, through a structured program for postdoctoral support. This includes regular meetings with faculty beyond their advisor, opportunities to present seminars toward their job applications, mentorship on the academic job, and more.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge…