University of Missouri

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Homepage: https://missouri.edu/

Position Overview
The Hydrology Lab at the University of Missouri invites applications for a full‑time Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Field Operations Specialist with expertise in mobile weather radar operations, environmental sensor networks, and data quality assurance. This position plays a central role in supporting research, teaching, and outreach related to atmospheric, hydrologic, and land–surface processes.

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist who enjoys both hands‑on fieldwork and rigorous data analysis, and who is excited to contribute to a growing program in environmental monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, deploy, and maintain mobile weather radar systems, including calibration, field logistics, and safety protocols.
• Install, configure, and maintain environmental monitoring networks, including:
  • Weather stations
  • Soil moisture sensor arrays
  • River/stream flow monitoring sensors
• Perform data quality control (QC/QA) on multi‑sensor environmental datasets, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and metadata integrity.
• Support faculty and graduate students in the design and execution of field campaigns.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance schedules, inventories, and field documentation.
• Assist with data management workflows, including real‑time data acquisition and sensor troubleshooting.
• Contribute to training activities for students in instrumentation, radar meteorology, and environmental monitoring techniques.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Hydrological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

OR

• M.S. in a related field with demonstrated experience in:
  • Operating or supporting mobile weather radar systems
  • Installing and maintaining environmental sensor networks
  • Performing environmental data quality control and data management

Additional required competencies:

• Demonstrated experience operating mobile weather radar platforms (e.g., X‑band, C‑band, or other research radars).
• Hands‑on experience installing and maintaining weather stations, soil moisture sensors, and river/stream flow monitoring instruments.
• Strong background in data quality control, sensor diagnostics, and environmental data workflows.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in field and laboratory settings.
• Willingness to travel for short‑term field deployments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with real‑time telemetry systems (cellular, LoRa, satellite, or radio‑based).
• Familiarity with environmental data management platforms (e.g., Campbell Scientific, OTT HydroMet, METER systems).
• Proficiency in programming or scripting for data quality control/analysis (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).
• Experience training students or staff in instrumentation and field methods.
• Strong record of publication or technical reporting related to atmospheric or hydrologic observations.

Appointment Details

• Type: Full‑time, benefits‑eligible
• Location: Columbia, Missouri, USA
• Start Date: Negotiable
• Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Submit the following materials as a single PDF to hydrology@missouri.edu:

1. Cover letter describing relevant experience
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information for three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.