Postdoctoral Researcher – AEM

Position Overview

The postdoctoral researcher will analyze and interpret Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey Data collected as part of multiple surveys performed in the three groundwater management districts overlying the High Plains aquifer (HPA) in western Kansas. It is expected that the results of the analysis and interpretation of the AEM data will significantly enhance understanding of the HPA hydrostratigraphy. This improved understanding should help in the planning of groundwater conservation areas designed to extend the lifespan of the HPA in western Kansas. The ideal candidate would have strong technical skills for working with AEM data and models, including physically based forward and inverse modeling of AEM survey responses, and demonstrated experience in doing so. This position is based at the Kansas Geological Survey, a research and service unit at the University of Kansas, and will be co-supervised by Jim Butler and Geoff Bohling in the Physical Geohydrology Group at the KGS. Additional project collaborators at the KGS include Gaisheng Liu and scientific staff in the Energy and Stratigraphy Division.

Job Description

85% : Analyze and interpret data collected through AEM surveys of the three groundwater management districts in western Kansas. The three major areas of work will be 1) the inversion of the AEM data to resistivity, 2) the identification of the aquifer bottom from the AEM resistivity values, and 3) the transformation of the AEM resistivities to lithology. In all cases, estimates of the uncertainty in the final results will be needed so that the stakeholder community can better understand the confidence we have in those results. 15% : Disseminate findings through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. It is expected that the individual will play a leading role in preparation of presentations and publications based on the analyses and interpretations of the AEM surveys.

Position Requirements

This work will be done on-site at the KGS headquarters on the KU campus in Lawrence, KS.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a discipline related to hydrogeophysics.
• Prior experience demonstrating a solid theoretical understanding of the physical principles governing AEM survey responses as indicated in application materials.
• Experience working with physically based forward and inverse modeling of time-domain AEM data as indicated in application materials.
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively as indicated in application materials.
• Strong written communication skills as evidenced by application material, to include peer-reviewed publications and project reports.

NOTE : To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD conferred at the time of hire. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an interim basis not to exceed 6-months. Upon verification of degree, the appointment will be extended to its full duration.

Preferred Qualifications

Contact Information to Applicants

For technical questions contact Jim Butler, jbutler@ku.edu, or Geoff Bohling, gbohling@ku.edu. For HR questions contact Annette Delaney, adelaney@ku.edu.

Additional Candidate Instruction

Only complete applications will be considered.

Review of applications will begin February 23, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. The earliest possible start date is April 6, 2026; the exact start date is negotiable.

Advertised Salary Range

$60,000 to $65,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Review Begins

23-Feb-2026

Anticipated Start Date

06-Apr-2026

Limited Term End Date

31-Mar-2028

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE

1.0

Reg / Temp

Regular

FLSA Status

Professional

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule

8-5, M-F

Job Family

Research-KUL

Conditions of Employment

Limited Term

Work Location Assignment

On-Site

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses : Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

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