Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Hydrology

Illinois State Water Survey Research – Hydrogeologic Modeling (35%) Conduct scientific assessments of groundwater and well records Evaluate impacts of human activities and natural processes on groundwater quality/quantity Development of python scripts to interface between databases and groundwater flow models Develop groundwater models using state-of-the-art methods—i.e., Python, FloPy, and MODFLOW Utilizing high performance/throughput computing clusters to perform parameter estimation analyses Software development for analyzing and processing real-time hydrogeologic field data Thorough review of discipline literature to stay up to date Development of novel scientific research ideas to propose to local and national funding agencies Research – Science Dissemination and Trainings (35%) Design coursework for teaching professionals hydrogeology modeling principles and methods Coursework topics could include: o Introduction to Model Literacy o Basics of Hydrogeology o Conceptual Models and Data Needs o GW Modeling: Case Study I - from conceptual to digital models o GW Modeling: Case Study II - calibration and machine learning o Delineating Well Head Protection Areas o PEST: Model Uncertainty o Fate and Transport with GWT o Python and GitHub o Sharing models with GitHub, Docker, and other services Research – Project and Research Program Development (15%) Lead development of research proposals for funding agencies (both national and state). Assist in supervising of staff, hourlies, and students. Mentoring of junior staff, academic hourlies, and students on hydrologic principles and project deliverables. Research – Publications (10%) Prepare research materials for publication including maps and figures Publish reports, manuscripts, and proposals for stakeholders and scientific peers Presenting research findings to stakeholders, scientific peers, and at conferences Other – 5% Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. Keep abreast of developments in this discipline Illinois State Water Survey Job Summary Conduct research and analysis focused on characterizing near-surface Illinois aquifers' responses to stressors and defining capture zones for community water supplies. This role will present and disseminate hydrogeologic modeling results and methods to stakeholders (both technical and non-technical audiences). Duties & Responsibilities Research – Hydrogeologic Modeling (35%) Conduct scientific assessments of groundwater and well records Evaluate impacts of human activities and natural processes on groundwater quality/quantity Development of python scripts to interface between databases and groundwater flow models Develop groundwater models using state-of-the-art methods—i.e., Python, FloPy, and MODFLOW Utilizing high performance/throughput computing clusters to perform parameter estimation analyses Software development for analyzing and processing real-time hydrogeologic field data Thorough review of discipline literature to stay up to date Development of novel scientific research ideas to propose to local and national funding agencies Research – Science Dissemination and Trainings (35%) Design coursework for teaching professionals hydrogeology modeling principles and methods Coursework topics could include: o Introduction to Model Literacy o Basics of Hydrogeology o Conceptual Models and Data Needs o GW Modeling: Case Study I - from conceptual to digital models o GW Modeling: Case Study II - calibration and machine learning o Delineating Well Head Protection Areas o PEST: Model Uncertainty o Fate and Transport with GWT o Python and GitHub o Sharing models with GitHub, Docker, and other services Research – Project and Research Program Development (15%) Lead development of research proposals for funding agencies (both national and state). Assist in supervising of staff, hourlies, and students. Mentoring of junior staff, academic hourlies, and students on hydrologic principles and project deliverables. Research – Publications (10%) Prepare research materials for publication including maps and figures Publish reports, manuscripts, and proposals for stakeholders and scientific peers Presenting research findings to stakeholders, scientific peers, and at conferences Other – 5% Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. Keep abreast of developments in this discipline Physical Demands and Working Conditions The work is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions. Work Schedule, Travel, Or Other Job Expectations Work location can be ISWS campus full-time, remote full-time, or a hybrid approach (both remote and ISWS Campus) Minimum Qualifications Master of Science in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience of 1-3 years using Python (and other programming languages) for data analysis and visualization Experience of 1-3 years using MODFLOW for groundwater modeling Professional experience of 1-3 years in hydrology, hydrogeologic modeling, aqueous geochemistry, and/or geospatial sciences. Experience of 1-3 years developing curriculum for and teaching successful courses. Familiarity with Git, GitHub, and Docker Valid Driver’s License Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Demonstrated experience using Python, FloPy**, MODFLOW, and ArcGIS/QGIS for hydrogeologic applications ** Our group’s workflow is entirely based in Python, FloPy, and MODFLOW, and tracked via GitHub. We do NOT use graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for model deployment. Experience of 5 years working on groundwater modeling and research, including contaminant transport, transit time distributions, particle tacking, and delineating capture zones. Experience of 5 years developing successful curriculum for technical science courses, specifically geared toward workshops, short courses, trainings and scientific conferences. More than 3 years’ of successfully implementing machine learning algorithms for model calibration optimization and analysis. More than 3 years’ of successfully implementing parameter estimation methods and uncertainty assessments, specifically geared towards groundwater models. Research experience in groundwater-surface water interactions. Demonstrable experience in applying Git, Docker, and similar tools for research workflows. Successful submission and publication of peer-reviewed journal articles. Successful submission of research proposal or grant, with funding approved. Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases. Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/16/2026. Position may become regular non-visiting at future date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $67,000 to $77,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign