Postdoctoral Research Associate

The National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR), Heidelberg University seeks to hire, contingent on funding availability, a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with experience in field-scale hydrologic modeling and large data set analyses using state-of-the-art approaches.  The incumbent will work primarily in the existing Paired-Watershed Project, a part of the USDA-funded CEAP Pilot Watershed Study in the Blanchard subwatershed of the Maumee River watershed.  The main goal of this project is to examine the influence of a multitude of conservation practices on nutrient export at a field and small watershed scale to determine the suite of practices and extent of implementation needed to reduce loads.  

The postdoctoral research associate will be hired on a year-around appointment with full employee benefits with guaranteed funding for 15 months and a possibility of extension. The NCWQR is a research arm of the science departments at Heidelberg University, a private, comprehensive Master’s institution located in Tiffin in northwestern Ohio. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Setup and implement field-scale models (e.g., APEX, NTT, etc.) in the Lake Erie Basin watersheds.

• Calibrate, validate, and develop scenario runs of the field-scale model(s).

• Analyze simulation results and other data in a variety of approaches to provide information to stakeholders.

• Help/facilitate water quality monitoring and other data collection.

• Disseminate results of this project to diverse audiences via presentations, fact sheets or handouts, webinars, or other means. 

• Participate in project meetings as needed to help guide the model setup and data analyses.

• Participate in other professional development activities as allowed.

• Publish the results of this research in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Professional Experience:

• Completion of a Ph.D. in the Natural Sciences, Data Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.

• Strong programming skills and experience with programming languages such as Python, R, C++.

• Strong analytical and data analysis skills.

• Experience in writing and publishing scientific articles.

• Experience in presenting scientific information to mixed audiences. 

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Proficiency with hydrologic and water quality modeling tools such as APEX, ANN-AGNPS, WEPP, SWAT, SWAT+  or related models

• Proficiency with geospatial analyses and tools (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS)

• Experience in water quality sampling as well as data/watershed nutrient loading analyses

• Experience in project proposal development and project management.

• Knowledge of agro-ecosystems and Lake Erie

Supervision Received:

Reports directly to the Director of the National Center for Quality Research (NCWQR)

Supervision Exercised:

May supervise student assistants and field/laboratory technicians.

CORE VALUES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Core values – models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work. 

• Intellectual dynamism – demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.

• Self-knowledge – gains insight from successes and mistakes.

• Personal learning – seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.

• Peer relationships – encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.

• Teamwork – performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.

• Constituency focus – completes work to meet constituencies’ expectations and requirements.

• Community focus – brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.

In order to be considered for this position, candidates should upload a cover letter describing their interest in the position, a current resume, and the contact information for three references. Review of candidates will begin no later than May 15, 2026 and will continue until the position has been filled.  

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:  Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to:  personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software, integrated database software, fax machine, copier, telephone, scanner, and printers.  Employees in this position must have a valid Ohio driver’s license.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use arms, hands and fingers to operate and manipulate equipment generally found in an office setting.  The employee may be frequently required to be mobile, communicate, and hear.  The employee may occasionally be subject to a variety of outdoor environmental conditions including heat, cold, and precipitation.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Mental demands include varied degrees of occasional stress while performing job duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in an office setting, and educational facilities including sports and entertainment venues, all of which may be outdoor. The noise level in the work environment will range from moderately quiet to occasionally loud.