Postdoctoral Researcher – AEM
Listed on 2026-02-16
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Position Overview
The postdoctoral researcher will analyze and interpret Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey Data collected as part of multiple surveys performed in the three groundwater management districts overlying the High Plains aquifer (HPA) in western Kansas. The results of the analysis and interpretation of the AEM data will significantly enhance understanding of the HPA hydrostratigraphy, helping to plan groundwater conservation areas designed to extend the lifespan of the HPA in western Kansas.
This position is based at the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), a research and service unit at the University of Kansas, and will be co‑supervised by Jim Butler and Geoff Bohling in the Physical Geohydrology Group at the KGS. Additional project collaborators at the KGS include Gaisheng Liu and scientific staff in the Energy and Stratigraphy Division.
Salary, Employment Status, and Fringe BenefitsSalary and benefits:
This position has an expected salary range of $60,000 to $65,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Other benefits include university staff privileges; up to 176 hours of paid vacation earned per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, and nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day annually; group medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, and retirement program options.
Initial appointment: two years with the possibility of renewal for another two years, assuming satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Job Description85%: Analyze and interpret data collected through AEM surveys of the three groundwater management districts in western Kansas. The work will involve inversion of the AEM data to resistivity, identification of the aquifer bottom from the AEM resistivity values, and transformation of AEM resistivities to lithology. Estimates of uncertainty in the final results will be needed to convey confidence to stakeholders.
15%: Disseminate findings through conference presentations and peer‑reviewed publications. The individual will play a leading role in preparing presentations and publications based on the analyses and interpretations of the AEM surveys.
Position RequirementsThis work will be done on‑site at the KGS headquarters on the KU campus in Lawrence, KS.
Required QualificationsNOTE:
To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD conferred at the time of hire. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an interim basis not to exceed 6 months. Upon verification of degree, the appointment will be extended to its full duration.
Only complete applications will be considered.
Review of applications will begin February 23, 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
The earliest possible start date is April 6, 2026; the exact start date is negotiable.
Contact Information to Applicants:
For technical questions contact Jim Butler, jbutler, or Geoff Bohling, gbohling. For HR questions contact Annette Delaney, adelaney.
Advertised Salary Range $60,000 to $65,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Review Begins Monday February 23, 2026.
Anticipated Start Date Monday April 6, 2026.
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