Postdoctoral Associate - Fine-Scale Hydraulic/Hydrologic Modeling of the Everglades

Job Description

The University of Florida invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to support a collaborative research project funded by the National Park Service focusing on the development of a fine-scale integrated surface-water and groundwater model for Water Conservation Area 3 (WCA-3) and Northern Everglades National Park (ENP).

Position Duration: 2 years, September 2025 – August 2027

Project Overview

This project aims to address critical limitations in current regional-scale hydrologic models by developing a high-resolution, mechanistic modeling framework capable of simulating complex canal-marsh interactions, hydraulic infrastructure responses, and hydrologic variability. By integrating detailed topographic and hydrologic datasets, this effort will generate actionable insights to inform Everglades restoration, CEPP South planning, and phosphorus water quality assessments. The model will be a valuable decision-support tool for agencies and stakeholders striving to enhance ecosystem resilience and water sustainability in one of the most ecologically significant wetlands in the world.

Responsibilities

Develop and calibrate a fine-resolution hydrodynamic and hydrologic model using tools such as MIKE SHE/MIKE+, HEC-RAS, or MODFLOW.

Integrate high-resolution spatial datasets (e.g., LiDAR-based DEMs) and observed hydrometeorological inputs.

Conduct scenario-based simulations to evaluate restoration strategies, infrastructure modifications, and climate impacts.

Collaborate with stakeholders and report results via technical reports, publications, and presentations.

Assist with spatial analysis, data processing, and team coordination.

Benefits And Support

Opportunities to engage in collaborative research with the South Florida Natural Resources Center, National Park Service and other federal and state agencies.

Access to high-performance computing and modeling software (e.g., MIKE SHE).

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Expected Salary

Annual salary of approximately $65,000, plus fringe benefits

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Civil, Environmental, or Agricultural Engineering, Hydraulics/Hydrology, Earth Sciences, or a closely related field.

Strong experience with hydrodynamic and hydrologic modeling, especially using MIKE SHE, EFDC, WASP, HEC-RAS, MODFLOW, or similar tools.

Proficiency in programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++, and FORTRAN), geospatial analysis, and GIS applications.

Proven track record of publishing in reputable, peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and work in interdisciplinary teams.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.

Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Modeling coupled surface water–groundwater systems in wetlands or floodplain environments.

Familiarity with Everglades hydrology, water quality processes (e.g., phosphorus dynamics), and restoration frameworks such as CERP/CEPP.

Industries:Higher Education

Function: Civil Engineering