Research Associate & Postdoc positions on chronic flooding & coastal evolution at NCSU
Katherine Anarde
Dear Colleagues,
I am advertising for two open positions in my research group (the Coastal Hazards Lab) at North Carolina State University:
A one-year (with possibility of extension) postdoctoral researcher position related to modeling of chronic coastal flooding
A multi-year research associate position for two coastal monitoring programs
Postdoctoral Researcher Description: The Sunny Day Flooding Project is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with hydrodynamic numerical modeling experience to join a highly interdisciplinary and community-engaged research project. The researcher will develop a hydrodynamic model with stormwater infrastructure for a community that is prone to flooding from a combination of rainfall runoff, impaired stormwater networks, riverine flooding, and wind setup events in a large estuary. The model will be validated using water level data continuously measured in storm drains and images of flooding (go.ncsu.edu/sunny). The researcher will work closely with Dr. Katherine Anarde (Coastal Engineering, NCSU) to analyze flood data and with Dr. Antonia Sebastian (Hydrology, UNC-Chapel Hill) to develop the flood model. The researcher will then work with Dr. Miyuki Hino (Environmental Social Science, UNC-Chapel Hill) to compare modeled flood hazards to existing survey data of perceived flood risk and frequency. The position has guaranteed funding for one year but there is possibility for extension. The candidate will join a vibrant and diverse research group with active community-engaged modeling projects related to chronic flood hazards and climate adaptation. Preferred start: Fall 2023.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Numerical modeling
Data analysis and QC
Mentor interdisciplinary graduate students
Disseminate scientific findings in publications and at conferences
Assist PIs in organizing and leading community workshops
Postdoctoral Researcher Qualifications: The candidate will have a PhD in civil engineering, coastal engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related field. The candidate must have: 1) significant numerical modeling experience (e.g., HEC-RAS, XPSWMM, 3Di, LISFLOOD, SFINCS), 2) experience in analysis of numerical and in situ data (preferably coastal water levels); 3) ability to disseminate results via peer-reviewed publications and presentations; 4) ability to travel locally in North Carolina and participate in sensor management and community workshops. Additional desirable skills include image analysis and troubleshooting sensors.
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Research Associate Description: The Coastal Hazards (CHAZ) Research Associate will assist Dr. Anarde in managing two coastal monitoring programs in North Carolina: a shoreline monitoring program along the NC Outer Banks (using remote sensing techniques) and monitoring of chronic coastal floods (using in situ sensors and camera imagery). The position will involve project management – including writing reports, creating presentations and figures, data quality control, purchasing, organizing sensor deployments and manufacturing – as well as initial analysis and processing of geospatial and water level data. The Research Associate will work closely with undergraduate and graduate students in Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as with colleagues and students in other disciplines as part of the Sunny Day Flooding Project. The position has guaranteed funding for two years with subsequent extension opportunities. The candidate will join a vibrant and diverse research group with active field and lab research interests in coastal evolution and climate change impacts. Preferred start: Fall 2023.
Research Associate Qualifications: This opportunity might suit a recently completed PhD student or a more experienced researcher interested in project management and producing knowledge that will support coastal and roadway management in North Carolina.
Desirable interests/skills/experience include the following (the candidate may not have all skills/experience already, but should have most):
Strong background in geospatial analysis and remote sensing
Background in coastal science or coastal engineering
Leadership and mentoring skills
Strong English language skills, written & verbal
Experience developing and troubleshooting IoT sensors (can be learned on the job)