University of California Merced
6 days ago
Postdoctoral Scholar in Managed Aquifer Recharge, Geophysics, and Sustainable Water Management University of California, Merced in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Data Science
Funding
Full-time, 100% appointment for two years. The listed salary estimate is $71,491; the official salary range is provided in UC salary Table 23. No separate tuition or stipend information is specified.
Deadline
Dec 1, 2026
Country
United States
University
University of California Merced
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About this position
The Harmon Lab in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Earth Institute at the University of California, Merced, is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar for a two-year research appointment in Merced, California, United States.
The project focuses on managed aquifer recharge (MAR), groundwater hydrology, geophysics, sustainable water management, and sustainable agriculture. The researcher will identify prospective MAR sites using geophysical methods and coordinate field experiments involving farm-scale MAR spreading basins. Responsibilities include collecting, processing, and analyzing geophysical and field data to support groundwater recharge research in Central California.
The postdoctoral scholar will work with an interdisciplinary team studying water resources, sustainable agriculture, and energy-related challenges. Duties include research planning, experimental design, field data collection, data analysis, interpretation and communication of findings, student mentoring, grant proposal development, manuscript preparation, and conference presentations.
Applicants must have a doctorate in Engineering, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Earth Science, or a related field. Experience with complex geophysical datasets, including aerial or towed transient electromagnetic systems, MATLAB and Python programming, peer-reviewed publications, and technical presentations is required. Preferred experience includes Spanish-English bilingual proficiency, statistical or data science methods, soil boring and sampling, ArcGIS or QGIS, and agricultural operations.
The estimated salary is $71,491, with a 100% appointment for two years. Applications require a current CV, the required Authorization to Release Information Form, and contact information for three references; a cover letter is optional. The application opens October 27, 2026, with full-consideration review on November 10 and a final deadline of December 1, 2026. The anticipated start date is as soon as November 15, 2026.
Funding details
Full-time, 100% appointment for two years. The listed salary estimate is $71,491; the official salary range is provided in UC salary Table 23. No separate tuition or stipend information is specified.
What's required
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Earth Science, or a closely related field. Required experience includes acquiring and analyzing complex geophysical datasets, including aerial or towed transient electromagnetic observational systems; advanced programming and scripting using MATLAB and Python; peer-reviewed research publications; technical conference presentations; and strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred qualifications include bilingual Spanish and English proficiency, advanced experimental methods, statistical analysis or data science experience related to soil boring and sampling, proficiency with ArcGIS or QGIS, and knowledge of agricultural processes and farming operations. Application materials include a current CV, an optional cover letter, a signed Authorization to Release Information Form, and contact information for three references.
How to apply
Apply online through the UC Merced Academic Personnel application portal at https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF02238. Upload your current CV and required signed Authorization to Release Information Form, optionally include a cover letter, and provide contact information for three references. Applications received by November 10, 2026, receive full consideration; the final deadline is December 1, 2026.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.