Assistant Research Scientist, Hydrogeology - Illinois State Geological Survey
University of Illinois

Job Info

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Assistant Research Scientist, Hydrogeology
Illinois State Geological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving the needs of the public, government, and industry with earth science information and research relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. ISGS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/

ISGS is seeking to hire an Assistant Research Scientist, Hydrogeology to carry out research including data analysis, groundwater aquifer assessments, and numerical modeling of subsurface fluid flow, to 1) characterize and describe the underground sources of drinking water (USDW) for a given area, 2) design sampling and analytical strategies to characterize the properties (e.g., composition, age, etc.) of basin fluids and, 3) conduct numerical flow modeling from basin-scale to understand the migration of basin fluids over geologic time to site-scale to predict the movement of fluids and distribution of pressure during and after active injection. develop and review engineering designs and models of geothermal systems. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Conduct modeling, monitoring, and water quality projects with an emphasis on understanding basin fluid migration through geologic time.
Review literature, maps, and data to identify underground sources of drinking water (USDW) for a site or region.
Develop analytical strategies to interrogate the properties (e.g., composition, isotopic makeup, and age) of basin fluids.
Design and manage field campaigns to collect hydrogeologic data such as water levels, water quality, and aquifer properties (e.g., aquifer and slug tests, pressure transient tests).
Plan and execute development of conceptual and numerical groundwater flow and transport models (e.g., MODFLOW) for a variety of projects from site scale to regional scale to basin scale.
Develop models that describe the distribution and relation of hydrological parameters, and that are suitable for computer simulation of pressure and fluid behavior.
Critically examine data used to predict pressure and fluid distributions in subsurface strata such as by identifying property correlations, statistical analyses, and evaluation of results after using data as input to various software programs.
Calibrate numerical models (e.g., MODFLOW) to empirical field measurements.
Prepare geologic and hydrogeologic data using ArcGIS Desktop/Pro and python scripting for groundwater modeling.
Archive hydrogeologic, water level, and water use data in geodatabases and SQL databases while adhering to internal database and USGS metadata standards.
Develop data according to standards for national data repositories such as the USGS National Groundwater Monitoring Network.
Develop reports and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals as lead or co-author.
Deliver presentations to stakeholders and at scientific conferences.
Provide authoritative and current information on the results of research projects to the public, other scientists, industry, and/or governmental agencies, and has ability to communicate research results through writing and public speaking.
Contribute to the areas of education, outreach, and/or other services to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
Enhance the reputation of the unit and PRI at the state and national level.
Actively participate in professional societies and associations.
Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in hydrogeology, hydrology, engineering, or other related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At least three years related research or industry experience with master's degree. Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in hydrogeology, hydrology, engineering, or other related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Strong quantitative and computer skills, including a familiarity with hydrogeologic analysis and related software.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to contribute to a research program through independent and collaborative work. Potential to assist a principal investigator to effectively manage and coordinate project research activities and resources. Early career track record for publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals. Effective communication, personal relations, organizational, 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. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to make sound value judgments, translate research findings into management recommendations and/or fundamental ecological concepts, both verbally and in writing to granting agencies and to the scientific and lay communities. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases. Must be familiar with digital modeling software and have interest and aptitude to learn common industry reservoir simulation software (e.g., VIP/NEXUS, Eclipse, CMG, Petrel, etc.). Conceptual knowledge of digital mapping and cross section construction. Ability to identify and interpret facies and stratigraphic relationships from geologic records and rock data. Experience with various versions of MODFLOW (MODFLOW-USG, SEAWAT) and reactive transport modeling (MT3D/ MT3D-USGS). Strong preference for experience running models in MODFLOW 6 framework (GWF and GWT models) or using FloPy Python package for model execution.

Work Environment: This position will take place in an office setting. Occasional travel to meetings, conferences, workshops, and rare field visits will also be required, some of which may require overnight stays. Field visits may include less than ideal conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness, sites with security concerns, heavy traffic). Travel time is up to 5% of the job with almost all domestic travel and primarily in Illinois and surrounding states.

Appointment Information: This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The starting date is negotiable and the salary is commensurate with experience. The minimum starting salary is $70,000.

This position is funded by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). DOE requires foreign national reporting for any person who is not a US citizen by birth or naturalization and the current ruling by DOE is that no foreign national personnel can begin work on projects until approved.

Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays

Application Procedure and Deadline Information: Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. Central on May 10, 2024. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date. To apply, please use the Apply Now button. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact information including e-mail addresses of three professional (not personal) references. All requested information and documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Prairie Research Institute, at lwalston@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, please contact 217-333-2137.

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. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1023993
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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