Post Doc Fellow, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors

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Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

Job Overview

The Terrestrial Hydrology Lab in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Cincinnati invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher. This role is central to a NASA-funded project dedicated to developing an advanced early warning system for river water quality management.

The research focuses on the hindcast and forecast of riverine turbidity and harmful algal blooms (HABs) by leveraging satellite observations and machine learning. By collaborating with end-user partners and developing user-centered data and tools, this project will bridge the gap between Earth observation data and actionable water quality management.

The initial appointment is for one (1) year, with potential renewal for an additional two (2) years contingent upon performance and funding. The start date is flexible between June 2026 and August 2026.

Essential Functions

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop and implement a machine learning/deep learning model to systematically integrate multi-source Earth observations for predicting river turbidity and HABs.
• Work closely with the science team and end-user partners to develop user-centered tools and implementation protocols that improve water quality decision-making.
• Lead peer-reviewed publications and present research findings at major conferences.

Required Education

A Ph.D. in Hydrology, Geosciences, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field (must be conferred by the start date).

Required Experience

• In-depth knowledge of specialized field, process or discipline.
• May require experience with specialized software programs.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Strong background in satellite remote sensing and surface water quality processes.
• Experiences in machine learning/deep learning, surface water quality modeling, and high-performance computing.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of leading high-quality scientific publications.
• Experience in data visualization and the development of decision-support tools.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Application Process Information

Applicants should complete our online application process by submitting the following materials:

• A cover letter.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three (3) references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For Further Information
Questions and requests for further information should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Dongmei Feng, via email at [email protected].

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page.

UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.

Important : To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

REQ: 102190