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 1st 2027, but there is some flexibility.

The work will be done under the supervision of the lab PI, Dr. Anner Paldor. The successful candidate will have research experience in Hydrogeology and Geomorphology. Candidates who are currently completing their PhD, with expected graduation by the end of Fall 2026, are encouraged to apply. The desired skills for this position are:

• Remote sensing applications in hydrology and geomorphology

• Programming and Machine Learning algorithms for big-data analysis

• Process-based modeling experience with tools such as HydroGeoSphere, 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Work Location

• 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.

Compensation and Benefits

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

Application Instructions

For best consideration, applicants should submit the below materials before 9/15/2026

• Full CV including list of publications and conference presentations
• A brief (<250 words) statement of research vision for this specific position, outlining the first project the candidate would like to take on

About The Department

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.

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