Careers at Virginia Tech

We are seeking a visionary researcher to lead the development of transformative global water and infrastructure datasets that underpin AI and process-based hydrologic models. You will be responsible for creating the human-dimension inputs that power the Global Water Model.

The successful candidate will join the Marston Research Group within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech. While the primary focus is to conduct and disseminate high-impact research on human-water systems, the is designed to accelerate your professional growth. Opportunities are provided for diverse career development activities, including:

• Skill Development: Acquiring new research techniques (e.g., AI/ML, data assimilation).
• Networking: Establishing a strong professional network within a multinational research consortium.
• Funding Acumen: Participating in proposal development.
• Leadership: Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Reporting: Preparing detailed research and progress reports.
• Teaching: Pursuing limited teaching opportunities as appropriate.

A formalized mentoring plan will be co-developed with Dr. Marston at the start of the position to align these opportunities with your long-term career goals.

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Computer Science, Earth System Science, or related fields. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Strong proficiency in Python or R and experience with High-Performance Computing.
• Proficient communication skills.
• Track record of conducting original research and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

• Experience in remote sensing or machine learning applications in environmental systems.
• Experience with Google Earth Engine, GIS, and/or AI agents for data processing.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

40

1/26/2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.