Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Kansas, United States

Updated: 20 days ago
Location: Lawrence, KANSAS

32126BR

Civil/Environ/Arch Engineering


Position Overview

The Civil. Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department at the University of Kansas is seeking one postdoctoral researcher with education and experience related to extraction and analysis of satellite photos and their correlation with physical properties, as well as 2D hydraulic modeling in riverine systems.  The position is full-time and on-site. The initial appointment would be for one year with the possibility of renewal for an additional year subject to department needs and funding availability.

A successful candidate will serve as a post-doctoral researcher with the Sediment Management Research Group at the University of Kansas, with research funded by the State of Kansas to determine environmentally-driven operational guidelines for a planned hydrosuction sediment removal system (HSRS) at John Redmond Lake.  The HSRS will discharge sediment to the downstream Neosho River.  The purpose of the research is to (1) determine the natural range of variability in sediment concentrations on the Neosho River at non-gaged locations via remotely-sensed satellite data and (2) determine flow/SSC release thresholds that will not result in deposition on three identified mussel beds. The post-doctoral researcher will collaborate with PIs John Shelley, Joshua Roundy, Tony Layzell, and Ted Harris.


Job Description

30%- Estimating suspended sediment concentration (SSC) from remotely-sensed data.  Includes coding automatic satellite data extraction and analysis macros for multiple satellite data repositories and building regressions for SSC

30%- 2D hydrodynamic modeling of mussel bed sites with varying flow/suspended sediment concentrations

20% - Research proposal writing for extension of research as well as report/article writing for research presentations.

15%- Assisting with other research tasks related to reservoir and watershed sedimentation including data collection and installation of field sensors to support modeling.

5%- Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and other tasks as assigned. 


Position Requirements

  • The position is on-site but can include some telework, to be discussed with Dr. John Shelley and co-PIs.
  • A U.S. driver’s license or ability to obtain one is required.
  • Field work may require driving a motor vehicle, wading in river, kayaking, scaling river banks, carrying sediment samples, and other physical tasks.

    • Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Hydrologic Engineering, Remote Sensing, or closely related field.
  • Demonstrated record of research, including publications and presentations on the topic of using satellite-based photos to estimate physical characteristics as evidenced in application materials.
  • Demonstrated record of research or practical experience with 2D numerical modeling of river hydraulics as evidenced in application materials.

    • Note: 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.


    Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficiency in ArcPro and HEC-RAS 2D
  • Experience with riverine data collection, including water level “hobo” meters and turbidity meters
  • Demonstrated successful proposal writing
  • Coursework and/or research experience with sediment measurement, sediment transport, and river geomorphology

    • Contact Information to Applicants

    John Shelley, jshell81@ku.edu


    Additional Candidate Instruction

    Only complete application packages submitted online will be considered. A complete application includes:

    • Online application form
    • Resume or CV
    • Cover letter
    • Names and contact information for three professional references

    Review of applications will begin Friday, February 27, 20226, will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. 


    Advertised Salary Range

    $69,000


    Application Review Begins

    27-Feb-2026


    Anticipated Start Date

    30-Mar-2026


    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus


    Employee Class

    U-Unclassified Professional Staff


    Conditions of Employment

    Contingent on Funding, Limited Term


    Work Location Assignment

    On-Site


    Disclaimer

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.


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