1-year river research associate position, Virginia Tech (Hampton, VA), MS degree minimum requirement
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Czuba, Jonathan
May 23, 2026, 3:44:33 AM (3 days ago) May 23
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Please see the opportunity below for a 1-year research associate position focused on sensor technologies for river monitoring and collaboration with local stakeholders. Minimum qualifications are a MS degree in a related field of study. The position is stationed
in Hampton, Virginia, not on the main campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The research associate will collaborate with broader Virginia Tech faculty, including myself. Note that the position is for 1-year, but depending on the success of developed research
proposals, I imagine that there could be an option to extend the position in some capacity beyond 1 year. This would be a good opportunity for someone looking for more of an applied research postdoc or for a MS student interested in developing more skills
before pursuing a PhD. Review of applicants will begin on June 10, 2026.
Full details on the position, including how to apply, are at the link below:
Smart River Research Associate
Hampton, Virginia
Job Description
The Smart River Research Associate supports coastal research, community engagement, and sustainable resilience initiatives through the Smart River program. This full-time position is based at the Coastal Collaborator in Hampton, Virginia, and plays a key role
in advancing Smart River research, sensor technologies, and stakeholder collaboration. The position works closely with researchers, community partners, and regional organizations to support applied research and outreach initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Sensor Research and Technology Development:
Collaborate with stakeholders to identify locations for sensor deployment across the Rappahannock River and its tributaries. Support the deployment, maintenance, and evaluation of sensor technologies, and work with Virginia Tech researchers and partners on technology development and applied research projects.
Project Management:
Identify grant opportunities and assist in developing research proposals related to the Smart River Initiative. Coordinate project timelines, milestones, and reporting requirements, including stakeholder updates, IRB documentation, and PEARS reporting. Facilitate written and verbal communication through virtual and in-person meetings.
Education and Outreach:
Deliver presentations, coordinate meetings and educational programming, and represent the VTCC at water research and community engagement events. Develop and publish educational materials related to Smart River technologies and initiatives.
Research Partnerships:
Serve as a liaison among research, technology, and education partners, including Virginia Cooperative Extension, university collaborators, nonprofit organizations, and tribal partners.
This is a restricted, one-year appointment; as a result, Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.
Collaborate with stakeholders to identify locations for sensor deployment across the Rappahannock River and its tributaries. Support the deployment, maintenance, and evaluation of sensor technologies, and work with Virginia Tech researchers and partners on technology development and applied research projects.
Project Management:
Identify grant opportunities and assist in developing research proposals related to the Smart River Initiative. Coordinate project timelines, milestones, and reporting requirements, including stakeholder updates, IRB documentation, and PEARS reporting. Facilitate written and verbal communication through virtual and in-person meetings.
Education and Outreach:
Deliver presentations, coordinate meetings and educational programming, and represent the VTCC at water research and community engagement events. Develop and publish educational materials related to Smart River technologies and initiatives.
Research Partnerships:
Serve as a liaison among research, technology, and education partners, including Virginia Cooperative Extension, university collaborators, nonprofit organizations, and tribal partners.
This is a restricted, one-year appointment; as a result, Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.
Required Qualifications
MS degree in a water-related STEM field such as Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Biological Systems Engineering or Biological Sciences. Knowledge of and experience conducting water quality research, monitoring, and management with preferred
emphasis on Virginia rivers and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Research experience to include field work deployment and monitoring of sensors, scientific literature reviews, citations, data collection and analysis, IRB determinations, and project management.
Ability to communicate science to decision makers, practitioners, and the public through public speaking and technical writing. Experience with academic research, grant writing, and grant administration. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
and develop productive partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders. Experience with managing multiple projects and timelines with attention to detail, while collaborating with staff and partners. Proficient with office software package. High degree of
comfort with learning new technologies and software. Self-starter, with strong goal setting and planning skills. Ability for frequent and regular local travel to testing sites on the Rappahannock River and to meet with stakeholders in Fredericksburg and Stafford
Virginia.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with AI, programming, data science, digital twin GIS and/or remote sensing. Basic Knowledge of economics and ability to conduct cost benefit analysis.
Salary Information
$57,000 - $60,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
June 10, 2026
Assistant Department Head,
Undergraduate Program Director, &
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Systems Engineering &
Department of Biological Systems Engineering &
The Global Change Center
Virginia Tech
https://sites.google.com/site/jonczuba
Virginia Tech
https://sites.google.com/site/jonczuba
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