This postdoctoral position will develop the data and modeling infrastructure needed to produce snowmelt-informed water supply forecasts for the Henry’s Fork and Snake River Headwaters. This project will involve fieldwork to install and maintain new weather station infrastructure and the application of physically-based snowmelt models. These tasks will be conducted in collaboration with agencies, non-profit scientists, stakeholders, and resource managers. The work location is flexible, but the role will require occasional trips to Ashton, Idaho, for fieldwork and stakeholder engagement. Housing will be provided during these trips.

Anticipated Start Date: January 2025

Duration: 21 months of guaranteed funding, with the potential for an extension up to 24 months

Mission:

The Department of Geosciences at Boise State University creates and disseminates knowledge about Earth’s processes and properties for students, scientists, and the public to help create a scientifically informed community. We provide high quality educational opportunities for students seeking PhD, MS, and BS degrees in core strength areas within Geosciences, and bring earth science principles to the foundational education mission of the university. In all programs, we enable students to discover and develop relevant knowledge and skillsets so that they can achieve their professional goals and pursue solutions to resource and environmental challenges facing the state, nation, and world. We welcome motivated individuals who are passionate about science, value diversity and tolerance, and believe in wise stewardship of our planet through critical thinking and dialogue.

Vision:

The Department of Geosciences adopts as its goal for 2018-2022 to become a nationally recognized leader in integrating research excellence and education in geosciences. In research, we strive to sustain and grow a resource platform that continues to enable our scientists to contribute at high levels to internationally significant research problems in Geosciences. In education, we strive to provide students with opportunities to discover and develop relevant knowledge and skill sets that will enable them to achieve their professional goals. We believe that creative integration of research with education will promote excellence in both. We will build graduate programs that provide students with opportunities equal to the top 25 Geoscience graduate program in the nation, we will create undergraduate programs that attract students to Boise State from across the state and nation and prepares them for professional careers, and we will become a significant component of foundational education at Boise State University. 

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

Essential Functions may include:

• Problem solve research challenges and model development, as applicable.
• Contribute discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
• Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
• Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.
• Compare actual and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
• Evaluate existing research or modeling techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.
• Assist in teaching classes.

• The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer reviewed publications.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and mentoring skills.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the work place.
• Proficiency with deploying a variety of sensors and data loggers in the field.
• Familiarity with numerical or process-based snow and watershed models

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in hydrology, environmental science, civil engineering, or related field
• Experience developing or maintaining monitoring sites in remote, mountainous locations.
• Geospatial and GIS expertise, preferably with R, Python, or Google Earth Engine.
• Experience with bias-correcting and downscaling large-scale climate data.

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/