Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior

Postdoc in urban stormwater pond dynamics

We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist to join our research investigating how constructed stormwater ponds function, to better design and manage their use to improve water quality. With funding from the Minnesota Stormwater Research Council, the project will integrate new data collections with existing datasets from recent studies and monitoring programs to understand how pond age, design and management influence trajectories of pond function following construction. The project focuses on identifying variables and causal relationships that determine the long-term performance of designed and constructed ponds so that they can be managed to improve performance. The postdoc will join a research team at the University of Minnesota in collecting data and performing analyses and engaging with community partners (including stormwater practitioners and various watershed management districts across the metro) to achieve project research and technology transfer objectives. We seek an energetic scientist committed to conducting research to understand how ponds work for water quality benefits and translating findings to help guide design and management of urban stormwater ponds. The postdoc will work collaboratively with the project PIs, students and staff and will be further supported by a vigorous research community in the Twin Cities that is committed to seeking effective solutions to environmental challenges.

Position Responsibilities:

65% Collaborate on project development and lead data collection, assembly and management

25% Development of written products; especially manuscripts

10% Coordinate and participate in project and outreach meetings, working groups

Required Qualifications:
* PhD in water resources, hydrology, aquatic ecology, limnology, wetland ecology or a related field
* Experience with synthesis and analysis of large water-related datasets
* Proven track record of leading preparation of scientific publications
* Ability and interest in working collaboratively and effectively as part of a research team that includes diverse academic and non-academic partners
* Commitment to broad engagement with stakeholders, including partners in watershed management organizations and the public

Preferred Qualifications include one or more of the following:
* Experience with urban watershed modeling or lake systems modeling
* Experience with limnological or aquatic field methods
* Experience with statistical methods for making inferences from observational datasets
* Familiarity with urban ecology, aquatic plant ecology or watershed biogeochemical processes
* Proficiency with GIS

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) faculty teach undergraduate classes, advise graduate students, and conduct research in the areas of ecology, evolution, and behavior. Check out the Faculty and research section to learn more about them and their intriguing research interests.

EEB is part of the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota and is one of the University's most highly-ranked units. The department is located in the Ecology Building on the St. Paul campus, but also has two major field stations where students and faculty conduct field research. Many of the research collections of the Bell Museum are also located in the Ecology Building, and the department is an affiliated department of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.

Pay Range: $61,008 - $63,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications will be reviewed starting on September 20, 2025, until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To apply, submit a CV, a short (2-page) statement of research interests, and a cover letter with contact information for three references.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).