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Boise State University

Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States, 83708

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Job no:

499344 Work type:

Non-Classified/Professional Location:

Boise, ID Categories:

Research, Research and Economic Development

Job Summary / Basic Function The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will specialize in computational modeling and data science for water and energy resilience and join a transdisciplinary team as part of the NSF‑funded Idaho Community‑engaged Resilience for Energy‑Water Systems (I‑CREWS) project. The initiative brings together faculty, students, and partners across Idaho to advance innovative solutions to the urgent challenges of energy‑water (E‑W) system resilience in the face of technological, population and environmental change. The Fellow will be based at Boise State University and work closely with I‑CREWS researchers across the state. The position emphasizes developing, integrating, and applying modeling approaches—including machine learning (ML), hydrologic and energy systems simulations, and scenario forecasting—to evaluate dynamic energy‑water futures and resilience strategies for diverse Idaho communities.

Department Overview Boise State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow specializing in computational modeling and data science for water and energy resilience. This role is part of the NSF‑funded I‑CREWS project, a transdisciplinary initiative that brings together faculty, students, and partners across Idaho to advance innovative solutions to the urgent challenges of energy‑water system resilience.

Level Scope After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that enables them to further their professional development and transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years, and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

Essential Functions 35% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

Problem solve research challenges and model development, as applicable.

Contribute discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.

Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.

Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.

Compare actual and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.

Evaluate existing research or modeling techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.

Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.

Assist in teaching classes.

60% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow:

Develop and apply computational models (ML, hydrologic, and energy systems) to assess resilience of coupled energy‑water systems under technological, population and environmental stressors.

Conduct scenario analyses and alternative futures forecasting for Idaho study site communities within the I‑CREWS resilience framework.

Integrate/interweave local and Indigenous knowledge and governance structures, as appropriate, with quantitative models to identify locally relevant resilience strategies.

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of social scientists, engineers, natural scientists, and Tribal partners.

Manage and analyze large, heterogeneous datasets relevant to energy‑water resilience.

Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals and present research results at conferences.

Mentor and collaborate with graduate and undergraduate researchers at Boise State.

5% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications.

Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.

Critical eye toward consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.

Excellent project and time management skills.

Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.

Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.

Minimum Qualifications Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or ABD in engineering, hydrology, computational sciences, systems modeling, applied mathematics, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated expertise in quantitative modeling and data analysis.

Proficiency in at least one of the following: hydrologic modeling, energy systems modeling, systems simulation, or machine learning/AI.

Ability to work effectively on interdisciplinary, team‑based research projects.

Experience integrating/interweaving qualitative inputs (e.g., policy) with quantitative models and/or machine learning.

Familiarity with MODFLOW, MATPOWER, OpenDSS, machine‑learning based emulators, or agent‑based modeling.

Knowledge of scenario development, resilience frameworks, and socio‑environmental‑technological systems.

Experience with visualization tools (e.g., dashboards, GIS, spatio‑temporal mapping).

Experience collaborating with community or Tribal partners on resilience, energy, or water issues.

Salary and Benefits Salary range: $55,057.60 to $63,869.42 annually, commensurate with experience.

Boise State University provides a best‑in‑class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

12 paid holidays (University closed between Christmas and New Year’s; requires use of 3 vacation days)

12–24 annual paid vacation days for full‑time Professional and Classified staff, depending on position type and years of service

10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)

11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)

Excellent medical, dental, and other health‑related insurance coverages

Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses, and their dependents

See our full benefits page for more information.

Cover letter, CV, graduate transcript, and research statement.

Applications submitted before January 15, 2026, are strongly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled.

About Us Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We are a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national mid‑size and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/

Advertised:

November 18, 2025 Mountain Standard Time Applications close:

Equal Employment Opportunity Boise State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment as provided for by federal, state, and local law. The University endeavors to recruit, hire, train, and promote the most qualified employees in all job titles. All other personnel actions are administered without regard to protected class under federal, state, and local law. The University may also have specific legal obligations as a federal contractor. The Chief Human Resources Officer is responsible for monitoring University practices and procedures to ensure compliance with this policy and federal, state, and local laws. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 426-1616 or hrs@boisestate.edu.

Jeanne Clery Act Each year, Boise State University prepares an Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report as part of the University’s commitment to safety and security on campus and in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Crime Statistics Act. The report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on the main Boise State campus, all of Boise State’s separate campuses, in certain off‑campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Boise State, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from Boise State’s campuses. Also included in the report are the University’s institutional policies and procedures concerning campus security, including those related to sexual assault, campus alerts, drug and alcohol use, and others. You can obtain a copy of the report by accessing the following website or you can request a copy of the report by contacting the University’s Department of Public Safety at 2245 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83706; by calling 208‑426‑6911; or by sending an email to publicsafety@boisestate.edu.

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