Fully Funded PhD Positions in Precipitation Science and Hydrologic Hazards at University of Iowa University of Iowa in United States

The Derin Precipitation Lab at the University of Iowa is recruiting two fully funded PhD researchers for Fall 2026. The lab, led by Assistant Professor Yagmur Derin, is part of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and focuses on advancing the quantitative understanding of precipitation and hydrologic hazards across scales and environments. Research areas include radar-based quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE), uncertainty characterization, hydrologic applications, stochastic rainfall generation, and hazard applications such as flood risk and convective hazards.

Students will engage in projects that bridge precipitation science and real-world hydrologic needs, developing physically grounded and data-driven approaches that connect remote sensing (satellite and radar) with numerical modeling and stochastic methods. The lab emphasizes radar QPE retrieval, quality control, uncertainty analysis, and the development of scalable ensemble tools for subseasonal-to-seasonal precipitation forecasts. Research also covers error mechanisms, regime dependence, and the creation of data-driven emulators for convective hazards.

Applicants should have a strong background in civil or environmental engineering, earth science, or related fields. Experience with remote sensing, radar, numerical modeling, or stochastic methods is preferred. The positions are fully funded, including tuition and a stipend. Interested candidates should email Dr. Yagmur Derin with a single PDF containing their CV and a brief statement of purpose (maximum 2 pages) indicating interest in Track A and/or Track B. The review of applications will begin on February 1, 2026, and continue until the positions are filled.

For more information about the lab and research topics, visit the Derin Precipitation Lab website. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in precipitation science, hydrologic hazards, radar QPE, and environmental engineering to join a dynamic research group at a leading institution.