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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Fluid Dynamics of Nearshore Processes
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What they do
A Research Associate typically has more experience than a Research Assistant. Responsibilities can include the planning and design of research projects, conducting experiments, analyzing data, contributing to research publications or grant proposals, and collaborating with other researchers. Works in a variety of fields within science or the social sciences, in programs based at a university or research institution, or works on government or industry sponsored research projects. Conducts field or library research or recruits participants for a study; may also assist with legal research. These roles are often held by people with advanced degrees in their field of study with several years of experience in research or academia.
$76,877 / year median in Massachusetts
Job Description
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Fluid Dynamics of Nearshore Processes UMass Lowell United States, Massachusetts, Lowell Sep 02, 2026
General Summary of Position:
The Department of Environmental, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Lowell invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate to join an NSF-funded project investigating physical transport and mixing processes at the groundwater-surface water interface in shallow coastal environments. Coastal groundwater is an important source of freshwater, nutrients, carbon, and other dissolved constituents to estuaries and the coastal ocean. The research combines field observations with high-resolution computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to improve understanding of the hydrologic and oceanographic processes that govern fluid exchange in these environments. The successful candidate will assist with field investigations in coastal settings and lead CFD modeling. The postdoctoral researcher will work in a collaborative environment spanning hydrology, fluid dynamics, and coastal science. The position provides opportunities for scientific leadership, mentoring, conference participation, fieldwork, and development of open, transferable modeling tools. Candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. James Heiss(james_heiss@uml.edu) with any questions.
Essential Job Duties:
Lead the development, testing, and application of CFD simulations of density-dependent transport and mixing in dynamic coastal surface waters.
Develop reproducible workflows for model setup, high-performance computing, sensitivity analysis, and visualization of large simulation datasets.
Participate in field investigations, including installation, maintenance, and recovery of oceanographic and hydrological instrumentation.
Lead peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations; collaborate with faculty, graduate and undergraduate researchers, and external project partners. Minimum Qualifications (Required): A PhD in Engineering, Hydrology, Oceanography, Physics, Geoscience, or related field.
Proficiency in scientific programming, cluster computing, and CFD modeling.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience developing, evaluating, and applying CFD (e.g., OpenFOAM) models to investigate coastal and nearshore hydrodynamics.
Broad understanding of coastal oceanographic processes.
Experience working in a collaborative environment.
Experience with script-based computational workflows using Python or MATLAB.
Demonstrated ability to conduct surf zone, hydrologic, or hydrogeologic field investigations. Special Instructions to
Applicants:
Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period. This position is full-time, benefited and in the Grants & Contracts union in grade PD. Anticipated salary not to exceed $64,000 with formal range:
Minimum:
$50,000, 25th quartile $56,500 and
Midpoint:
$63,000. This position is contingent upon funding, and is for one year contingent on productivity, successful performance and the availability of funding. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; however, the posting may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received. Please include a resume and cover letter to include a description of relevant experience and research interests with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process. The University of Massachusetts President's Office welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.