Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in fluvial geomorphology
Colorado State University | Posted Sep 28, 2026
Deadline: Oct 11, 2026
- Experience Level:
- Entry Level
- Link to Apply:
- Apply Now
Position Description
A postdoctoral position is available with Dr. Ryan Morrison at Colorado State University (CSU) to work collaboratively with the Bureau of Reclamation on a research project aimed to understand how sediment sources, hydrologic change, and floodplain vegetation interact to drive channel morphological change in the Middle Rio Grande (MRG). The project’s goal is to equip water resource managers with the knowledge needed to anticipate and respond to changes in the river system. This research is important for informing the management of a highly regulated and ecologically sensitive river system, where competing demands on water resources, decades of morphological change, and the habitat needs of endangered species require a deeper understanding of the fluvial processes that drive channel evolution in the MRG.
The successful candidate will be working with established research groups at CSU (Dr. Ryan Morrison and Dr. Danny White) and Idaho State University (Dr. John Kemper) committed to improving understanding of river systems in support of applied management needs. This research will require expertise in several fields, including fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, and hydraulics. This position will call for multiple skillsets, such as geochemical and radionuclide sediment fingerprinting, remote sensing and lidar analysis, hydrologic and hydraulic data analysis, and quantitative and statistical modeling. This position will be responsible for compiling and analyzing hydrologic, geomorphic, and sediment datasets, conducting field sampling for sediment fingerprinting analyses, and developing sediment transport and vegetation-morphology models to understand how sediment sources and vegetation encroachment have driven channel change in the MRG between Cochiti Dam and Elephant Butte Dam.
The postdoctoral researcher will lead or contribute to tasks such as: 1) aggregate and synthesize hydrologic, geomorphic, and sediment datasets from Reclamation and other agencies; 2) conduct volumetric assessments of bank erosion and channel sedimentation using aggradation/degradation surveys and USGS gage data; 3) collect and analyze field samples for geochemical and radionuclide sediment fingerprinting; 4) develop and apply network sediment transport models to assess spatiotemporal patterns of erosion and deposition; and 5) write and publish peer-reviewed manuscripts and reports based on research findings.
The ideal candidate will have strong quantitative skills in fluvial geomorphology and sediment transport, and a broad understanding of hydrology, remote sensing, and riparian ecology principles. Experience with sediment fingerprinting techniques, network sediment transport modeling, lidar or remote sensing analysis, and machine learning methods applied to geomorphic or hydrologic problems is preferred. In addition, the ideal candidate will have experience working with large hydrologic and geomorphic datasets and strong skills with R or Python programming. Strong written and verbal communication skills are also required, as is the ability to work well with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, agency scientists, and resource managers.
Position Details
The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of extension contingent on funding and performance. Compensation will include an annual full-time salary of $58,000–$63,000 per year and funds for travel, including field work in New Mexico and conference presentations. This position will be hosted at CSU in Fort Collins, CO. Throughout this project, the postdoctoral researcher will work in close collaboration with partners and staff at the Bureau of Reclamation offices in Denver and Albuquerque, engaging with agency scientists and analysts to complete analyses.
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
(1) PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Geomorphology, or related discipline
(2) Clear research interest in hydrology, geomorphology, or ecology
(3) Proficiency in oral and written English communication
Preferred qualifications:
(1) Experience with sediment fingerprinting techniques
(2) Familiarity with network sediment transport models
(3) Experience with lidar, remote sensing, and streamflow data
(4) Research experience in arid or semi-arid river systems, particular in the US Southwest.
(5) Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams, especially across institutions.
(6) Demonstrated ability to write and publish original research.
(7) Interest in working across disciplinary boundaries, including hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology.
How to Apply
We will begin reviewing applicants on September 24, 2026. The last day to apply is October 11, 2026.
If interested, please apply through Careers at CSU: https://csusystem.wd12.myworkd...;
For more information about the application process at Colorado State University, please visit the university’s resources page for prospective employees: https://hr.colostate.edu/prosp...