Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Hydrology
Urbana, IL, USA
Posted on Nov 3, 2026
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
