This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/11842686 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 ssociations.

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 ch