Post-Doctoral Associate, Dr. Xue Feng

About the Job

This position will last only six months, with the potential of extension depending on funding levels.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to be based at the University of Minnesota to advance hydrologic modeling of low-relief, peatland-dominated watersheds. Specifically, we are looking to implement a new hillslope module for the Community Land Model (CLM v.5) that incorporates subgrid hydrologic routing to account for lateral flows across landscape units. The specific watersheds in which this new module will be tested are located in the Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) in north central Minnesota, where long-term data and research facilities exist, and the presence of complex landscape elements (lakes, forests, and wetlands) represents a unique test case for understanding the role of landscape connectivity in regulating water table and streamflow dynamics.

Research tasks include processing meteorological and hydrological data from the MEF (precipitation, streamflow, water table elevations, soil moisture, frost depth, snow depths) to be used as model inputs and for model calibration and validation; hypothesis testing using the CLM-hillslope model to interrogate hydrological mechanisms that dominate during different seasons and that control seasonal storage and inter-seasonal transfer of water; conducting sensitivity analysis with the CLM-hillslope module under new climate scenarios.

Additional tasks include documentation and publication of data and model codes; manuscript preparation; and dissemination of findings through professional meetings, workshops, conferences, and peer‑reviewed journal publications.

• 70% hydrologic data analysis and model implementation
• 15% manuscript preparation
• 10% participate in conferences and professional development opportunities
• 5% document and publish data and code

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in hydrology, soil science, environmental engineering, or closely related fields
• Experience and proficiency with CLM and/or other distributed hydrologic models, and a strong computational and programming background
• Ability to work independently and with a large team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications include one or more of the following:

• Experience with and expertise in meteorological and hydrological measurements and monitoring methods
• Familiarity with small catchment studies and long‑term monitoring studies

The Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory is a globally recognized hub for pioneering research in experimental and computational fluid mechanics, hydrology, and earth‑surface dynamics. For over 80 years, our innovative and adaptable facilities have attracted trailblazers, problem solvers, and visionary thinkers. SAFL transcends traditional academic boundaries, embracing a spirit of curiosity and unorthodox collaboration. By fostering a culture of innovation, our diverse network of scholars and skilled engineers delivers groundbreaking solutions to the most pressing environmental science and engineering challenges, deepening our understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems.

Fixed Pay Rate: $61,008

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be…