| 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. This 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 Postdoctoral Research 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.
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| Department Overview: |
Boise State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow specializing in computational modeling and data science for water and energy resilience to join a transdisciplinary team as part of the NSF-funded Idaho Community-engaged Resilience for Energy-Water Systems (I-CREWS) project. This 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 Postdoctoral Research 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.
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| 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 start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also 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.
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| 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
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| 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 of the appointment.
● 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 towards 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
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| Minimum Qualifications: |
Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or (ABD) in engineering, hydrology, computational sciences, systems modeling, applied mathematics, or a related field.
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Preferred Qualifications:
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• 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, etc) 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 is $55,057.60 to $63,869.42 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):
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| Required Application Materials: |
Cover letter, CV, graduate transcript, and research statement.
Applications submitted before January 15, 2026, are strongly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled.
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| 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’re 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 midsize 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/
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