Jobs:Job-00156

From CSDMS
Postdocs opportunity in Geomorphology & Ecohydraulics
The University of California, Davis and Utah State University, California, United States
Apply before: 22 June 2020


Postdoctoral Positions in Linking Catchment Scale Geomorphic Processes, Channel Morphology, and Ecohydraulics across California

The University of California, Davis and Utah State University invite applications for two postdoctoral positions with an initial 12-month appointment (with the possibility of a second year extension pending performance) to research linkages between catchment terrains, river archetypes, and ecohydraulics. River corridor patterns and features such as channel bed and width undulations influence hydro-geomorphic dynamics and dependent river ecosystem functions. Prediction of these channel elements and their relationships with larger geospatial controls across a range of scales is an important scientific problem with societal ramifications.

The multi-institution project team is working with natural resource managers in the State of California to design environmental flows that support ecological processes across the diversity of hydro-geomorphic settings and river ecosystems in the region. For a region of this size, it is essential to ascertain ways of using information from data rich locations and spatial scales to inform those that are data poor using targeted data collection and appropriate modeling techniques. We have already collected reach-scale geomorphic information at nearly 1000 field sites across nine water management regions in California. In addition, California has growing airborne LiDAR coverage of river corridors for “riverscape” investigations at both high resolution and large area. The postdoctoral candidate(s) will use a range of numerical and statistical techniques (e.g. hydrodynamic modeling, LiDAR data processing, coding, and data-science modeling) to extract geomorphic and ecohydraulic insights that can guide development of environmental flows. The successful candidate will interact directly with diverse researchers, stakeholders, and natural resources managers.

Candidates must have a PhD in Geomorphology, Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physical Geography, or related fields. Extensive knowledge in fluvial geomorphology, geospatial and statistical analysis, and computer programming are highly preferred. Proven experience with open-source computing resources as well as excellent data management skills and a journal publication track record are also desired. Rank and salary will be commensurate with experience.

The deadline for applying to this position is June 22, 2020.

To apply, please send cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to Prof. Samuel Sandoval by e-mail at samsandoval@ucdavis.edu. UC Davis is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Project website: https://eflows.ucdavis.edu

Latest Project Publications:

  • Lane, B., Ortiz-Partida, J.P., & Sandoval-Solis, S. 2020. “Extending water resources performance metrics to river ecosystems.” Ecological Indicators, 114, 106336.
  • Byrne, C., Pasternack, G., Guillon, H., Lane, B., Sandoval, S. 2020 “Reach-scale bankfull channel types can exist independently of catchment hydrology,” Earth Surface Processes and Landforms.
  • Guillon, H., Byrne, C., Lane, B., Sandoval Solis, S., & Pasternack, G. 2020. “Machine learning predicts reach‐scale channel types from coarse‐scale geospatial data in a large river basin,” Water Resources Research.
  • Patterson, N. K., Lane, B. A., Sandoval-Solis, S., Pasternack G. B., Yarnell, S. M., Qiu, Y. 2020. A hydrologic feature detection algorithm to quantify seasonal components of flow regimes. Journal of Hydrology 585: 124787. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2020.124787.

Of interest for:
  • Terrestrial Working Group
  • Hydrology Focus Research Group
  • Ecosystem Dynamics Focus Research Group