Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Hydrology

Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Hydrology

Illinois State Water Survey

Job Summary

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research – Hydrogeologic Modeling (35%) Conduct scientific assessments of groundwater and well records Evaluate impacts of human activities and natural processes on groundwater quality/quantity Development of python scripts to interface between databases and groundwater flow models Develop groundwater models using state-of-the-art methods—i.e., Python, FloPy, and MODFLOW Utilizing high performance/throughput computing clusters to perform parameter estimation analyses Software development for analyzing and processing real-time hydrogeologic field data Thorough review of discipline literature to stay up to date Development of novel scientific research ideas to propose to local and national funding agencies
• Research – Science Dissemination and Trainings (35%) Design coursework for teaching professionals hydrogeology modeling principles and methods Coursework topics could include: o Introduction to Model Literacy o Basics of Hydrogeology o Conceptual Models and Data Needs o GW Modeling: Case Study I - from conceptual to digital models o GW Modeling: Case Study II - calibration and machine learning o Delineating Well Head Protection Areas o PEST: Model Uncertainty o Fate and Transport with GWT o Python and GitHub o Sharing models with GitHub, Docker, and other services
• Research – Project and Research Program Development (15%) Lead development of research proposals for funding agencies (both national and state). Assist in supervising of staff, hourlies, and students. Mentoring of junior staff, academic hourlies, and students on hydrologic principles and project deliverables.
• Research – Publications (10%) Prepare research materials for publication including maps and figures Publish reports, manuscripts, and proposals for stakeholders and scientific peers Presenting research findings to stakeholders, scientific peers, and at conferences
• Other – 5% Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. Keep abreast of developments in this discipline

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Minimum Qualifications

Master of Science in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
• Experience of 1-3 years using Python (and other programming languages) for data analysis and visualization
• Experience of 1-3 years using MODFLOW for groundwater modeling
• Professional experience of 1-3 years in hydrology, hydrogeologic modeling, aqueous geochemistry, and/or geospatial sciences.
• Experience of 1-3 years developing curriculum for and teaching successful courses.
• Familiarity with Git, GitHub, and Docker
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
• Demonstrated experience using Python, FloPy**, MODFLOW, and ArcGIS/QGIS for hydrogeologic applications
o ** Our group’s workflow is entirely based in Python, FloPy, and MODFLOW, and tracked via GitHub. We do NOT use graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for model deployment.
• Experience of 5 years working on groundwater modeling and research, including contaminant transport, transit time distributions, particle tacking, and delineating capture zones.
• Experience of 5 years developing successful curriculum for technical science courses, specifically geared toward workshops, short courses, trainings and scientific conferences.
• More than 3 years’ of successfully implementing machine learning algorithms for model calibration optimization and analysis.
• More than 3 years’ of successfully implementing parameter estimation methods and uncertainty assessments, specifically geared towards groundwater models.
• Research experience in groundwater-surface water interactions.
• Demonstrable experience in applying Git, Docker, and similar tools for research workflows.
• Successful submission and publication of peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Successful submission of research proposal or grant, with funding approved.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/16/2026. Position may become regular non-visiting at future date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $67,000 to $77,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 16th 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jon Freiman HR Business Partner at jcf@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1039083
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu