Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $68,500 - Midpoint: $89,100 (Salaried E11)

Department/Organization: 214231 - Civil Const and Env Engineering

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Job Summary: The Engineering Researcher II oversees engineering research projects and assumes responsibility for the day-to-day activity supporting project. Makes significant contributions to the planning and design of research and creative projects. Assists in short- and long-term planning and project goals. May assist with research and creative proposals and dissemination of project findings.

Additional Department Summary: Leads and contributes to cutting-edge research in the field of coastal flood hazard assessment, with a strong emphasis on compound flood processes and nonstationary coastal dynamics. Develops and applies numerical and statistical models to better understand and predict flood risks in coastal environments, including the integration of hydrodynamic, climatic, and socio-environmental data. Plays a pivotal role in generating actionable science to support coastal resilience and adaptation planning, working collaboratively with academic peers, stakeholders, and decision-makers. Responsibilities span from high-performance computational modeling and data-driven risk assessments to the publication of scientific findings and the mentoring of graduate students, contributing to both the advancement of science and the training of the next generation of researchers.

Works under the direction of Dr. Moftakhari in the department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering. Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of funding.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of engineering or closely related research experience; OR master's degree and two (2) years of engineering or closely related research experience; OR doctoral degree and some engineering or closely related research experience. Post-Baccalaureate degree is highly preferred (Master’s degree or higher).

Skills and Knowledge: Robust combination of theoretical expertise and practical experience in coastal hydrodynamics and flood hazard assessment. Proficiency in coastal ocean modeling tools such as Delft3D-FM, and ADCIRC is essential, along with demonstrated capability in model calibration, validation, and sensitivity analysis. Adept in statistical and probabilistic analysis, including the use of machine learning and multivariate statistical techniques for interpreting large-scale hydrodynamic and climatological datasets. Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, Fortran) and familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) environments for efficient execution of complex simulations. Ability to provide technical expertise. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations at national and international forums.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in securing external research funding and a record of successful interdisciplinary collaboration. Experience working across academic, governmental, and community sectors to co-produce science for coastal resilience is highly desirable. Track-record of publication in the emergent area of interest (coastal hydrodynamics, advanced machine learning for flood hazard assessment) and led or contributed substantially to multidisciplinary projects that integrate physical science with socio-economic and environmental data. Experience mentoring students or early-career researchers, particularly in the context of coastal modeling and climate resilience, will be considered a significant asset. Familiarity with risk communication and stakeholder engagement strategies to translate complex modeling results into actionable planning guidance.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.