Postdoctoral Researcher - Machine Learning River Forecasting

The University of Minnesota is seeking a highly motivated, independent Postdoctoral Researcher to lead innovative research at the intersection of knowledge-guided machine learning (KGML), Earth observations, and applied operational hydrology. This position will contribute to jump-starting a dynamic research lab, and play a key role in developing quantitative modeling and scientific approaches of KGML models on a newly awarded NASA-funded project focused on river forecasting and water resources decision-support across the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) Basin.

The ideal candidate is an independent thinker and collaborative leader, ready to drive scientific publications immediately, and foster an inclusive, supportive lab culture. While strong experience in deep learning/physics-informed ML is preferred, candidates with quantitative and programming skills with a subject-matter expertise in large-river hydrology, coupled surface water-groundwater dynamics, irrigation/pumping, reservoir operations, and/or coupled human-water systems who are enthusiastic about expanding into AI/ML approaches are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program. This position is annually renewable dependent on performance and funding for up to two years.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Scientific Publishing (85%)

• Develop, train, and evaluate novel knowledge-guided machine learning architectures (e.g., encoder-decoder models, LSTM, multi-task learning) integrating multi-modal NASA Earth Observations (SWOT, GRACE/-FO, SPoRT-LIS, NLDAS-3) to forecast river flow, water surface elevation, and impacts of upstream water use on river channel navigability.
• Lead the drafting and submission of high-impact, peer-reviewed journal publications.

Lab Leadership & Mentorship (5%)

• Serve as a cornerstone researcher helping to build and shape the lab's technical foundation and culture.
• Be a resource to graduate and undergraduate researchers on computational workflows, scientific writing, and quantitative methods.

Stakeholder Engagement & Transboundary Collaboration (10%)

• Collaborate directly with regional and federal partners, including the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA), NOAA, and the US Army Corps of Engineers, to co-design modeling frameworks, support development of educational materials around ML modeling approaches for water resource managers, and participate in project workshops.
• Software & Open Science Management
  • Maintain reproducible, open-source code repositories (GitHub) and dataset pipelines adhering to FAIR data principles.

Required

• Ph.D. in Hydrology, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Geosciences, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to fostering a collaborative, positive lab environment.

Preferred / Desired Expertise

• Experience and published track record using standard scientific computing and deep learning toolkits (e.g., Torch, TensorFlow, or similar).
• Experience with physics-informed machine learning, encoder-decoder architectures, or multi-task learning.
• Background in large-scale hydrologic modeling, coupled surface water-groundwater systems, reservoir management, irrigation/pumping dynamics, or human-water interactions.
• Experience building real-time workflows and data dashboards (e.g., Shiny apps
• Familiarity with satellite remote sensing products (e.g., SWOT, GRACE, soil moisture datasets).
• Familiarity with meteorological forecast models and data pipelines, especially in the S2S timeframe (e.g., NOAA GEFS, ECMWF, etc.)

Pay Range: $62,232 - $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Initial application review will begin on December 14, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until December 18, 2026.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), Best Employer by State (2022-2026), and one of America's Dream Employers (2027). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.