Description

Position Overview

The postdoctoral researcher will analyze and interpret Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey Data collected as part of multiple surveys performed in the three groundwater management districts overlying the High Plains aquifer (HPA) in western Kansas. It is expected that the results of the analysis and interpretation of the AEM data will significantly enhance understanding of the HPA hydrostratigraphy. This improved understanding should help in the planning of groundwater conservation areas designed to extend the lifespan of the HPA in western Kansas. The ideal candidate would have strong technical skills for working with AEM data and models, including physically based forward and inverse modeling of AEM survey responses, and demonstrated experience in doing so.

This position is based at the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), a research and service unit at the University of Kansas, and will be co-supervised by Jim Butler (https://kgs.ku.edu/people/james-j-butler-jr) and Geoff Bohling (https://kgs.ku.edu/people/geoffrey-c-bohling) in the Physical Geohydrology Group at the KGS. Additional project collaborators at the KGS include Gaisheng Liu and scientific staff in the Energy and Stratigraphy Division.

Salary, Employment Status, and Fringe Benefits: This position has an expected salary range of $60,000 to $65,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Other benefits include university staff privileges; up to 176 hours of paid vacation earned per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, and nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day annually; group medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, and retirement program options.

The initial appointment will be for two years with the possibility of renewal for another two years assuming satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Job Description

85%: Analyze and interpret data collected through AEM surveys of the three groundwater management districts in western Kansas. The three major areas of work will be 1) the inversion of the AEM data to resistivity, 2) the identification of the aquifer bottom from the AEM resistivity values, and 3) the transformation of the AEM resistivities to lithology. In all cases, estimates of the uncertainty in the final results will be needed so that the stakeholder community can better understand the confidence we have in those results.

15%: Disseminate findings through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. It is expected that the individual will play a leading role in preparation of presentations and publications based on the analyses and interpretations of the AEM surveys.

Position Requirements

This work will be done on-site at the KGS headquarters on the KU campus in Lawrence, KS.

Required Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in a discipline related to hydrogeophysics.
2. Prior experience demonstrating a solid theoretical understanding of the physical principles governing AEM survey responses as indicated in application materials.
3. Experience working with physically based forward and inverse modeling of time-domain AEM data as indicated in application materials.
4. Experience working both independently and collaboratively as indicated in application materials.
5. Strong written communication skills as evidenced by application material, to include peer-reviewed publications and project reports.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD conferred at the time of hire. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an interim basis not to exceed 6-months. Upon verification of degree, the appointment will be extended to its full duration.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. [PDF] Cover letter detailing how the candidate meets the required and preferred qualifications.
2. [PDF] Full CV.
3. Unofficial transcripts.
4. [PDF] Contact information for 3 professional references with relation to references.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Review of applications will begin February 23, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

The earliest possible start date is April 6, 2026; the exact start date is negotiable.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.