Position Overview
The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kansas (KU) is seeking a physical hydrogeologist to develop and lead a research program of international stature using both traditional and cutting-edge aquifer characterization and assessment techniques to investigate groundwater resource questions of relevance to Kansas. Specific areas of research expertise may include aquifer characterization, analysis of aquifer responses to anthropogenic and natural stresses, hydrogeophysics, and geostatistics. While these are areas of potential focus, demonstrated research excellence and future research potential are more important than the candidate's specific area of specialization in physical hydrogeology.

Scientists at the KGS are state-funded, faculty-equivalent academic staff with sabbatical eligibility. Scientific staff are expected to develop research programs that are of international stature and highly relevant to Kansas, as outlined in the KGS promotion procedures. Scientific staff also typically have courtesy appointments with one or more academic departments providing them the opportunity to teach and serve as advisors of graduate research if desired. We anticipate hiring at the Assistant or Associate Scientist level, depending on qualifications.

About the KGS and KU:
The KGS is a research and service center at KU that conducts fundamental and applied research significant to Kansas. Within the KGS, the Geohydrology program conducts research on hydrologic and hydrogeochemical systems ranging in scale from site-specific to river basin and regional aquifers. The Geohydrology program has ~30 individuals including seven full time scientists, technical support personnel, graduate students, and postdocs. Current areas of research include: physical, stratigraphic, and geochemical characterization of sedimentary aquifer systems: surface-water/groundwater interactions: solute fate & transport in river networks: spatial data analysis/geostatistics: assessment of sustainable yields in complex hydrologic systems: simulation of flow and transport processes: technology for subsurface characterization: quantifying impacts of conservation strategies on water resources: and human-water interactions. The group maintains a program of public information and education and has extensive interactions with water research and management entities at the local, state, and federal levels. Section staff have been nationally recognized for their excellence in research and for the quality of their technical reviews.

The KGS is located on the KU campus amidst the rolling hills of Lawrence, Kansas. KU is an international, R1 research university, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), and the flagship university for the State of Kansas. KU has a large water and environmental research community spread across campus with many opportunities for collaboration. Lawrence is an eclectic town of ~100,000 people along the banks of the beautiful Kansas River with an excellent cultural scene, historic downtown, cutting-edge library, farmers market, and many delicious restaurants. Outdoor opportunities around town include biking, hiking, and boating. The big-city vibes and international airport of Kansas City are less than an hour away.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Job Description
85% - Research
Develop and lead a research program with an emphasis on regional- and field-scale aquifer characterization and groundwater resource assessment. Conduct fundamental and applied research that is both of international stature and highly relevant to Kansas. Collaborate within and beyond the KGS to carry out hydrogeological research projects. Communicate the results of research in peer-reviewed publications and to both scientific and lay audiences. Develop research proposals for external funding.

15% - Service
Serve the institution, university, and discipline through activities such as: supporting KGS efforts in the areas of technical service and communication and public information; interacting with public, university, government, and industry; serving as peer reviewers and editors of technical journals; participating in professional scientific and industrial organizations; serving on University and KGS committees as assigned or in response to opportunities; participating in professional and governmental organizations that deal with Kansas and US water resources; working with students and visiting scientists when it complements and enhances research programs.

Required Qualifications
Required and preferred qualifications for the Assistant and Associate Scientist ranks are listed separately below. In your application, please indicate which rank you are applying to and, in your cover letter, clearly address how you meet the qualifications for that rank.

Required Qualifications - For Appointment as Assistant Scientist:

1. Ph.D. degree in earth sciences or engineering with a focus on physical aquifer characterization and/or groundwater resource assessment. Degree must be completed prior to appointment start date.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of theoretical principles of physical hydrogeology, as evidenced in application materials.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of hydrogeological field methods, as demonstrated by previous work experience.
4. Experience with collaborative research in hydrogeology, as evidenced in application materials.
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as shown by peer-reviewed publications and presentations.

Required Qualifications - For Appointment as Associate Scientist:

1. Ph.D. degree in earth sciences or engineering with a focus on physical aquifer characterization and/or groundwater resource assessment with at least six years of experience in these areas in a faculty-equivalent position.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of theoretical principles of physical hydrogeology, as evidenced in application materials.
3. Demonstrated experience with a variety of hydrogeological field methods, as demonstrated by previous work experience.
4. Six years of experience leading collaborative research in hydrogeology, as evidenced in application materials.
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as shown by an established record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications - For Appointment as Assistant Scientist:

1. Extensive experience with hydrogeological field methods.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of the variety of disciplines and methods used in physical hydrogeological research.
3. Experience with groundwater resource assessment in heavily stressed aquifers.
4. Experience interacting with stakeholders such as water managers, state agencies, NGO's or the public

Preferred Qualifications - For Appointment as Associate Scientist:

1. Demonstrated experience developing advanced hydrogeological field methods.
2. Demonstrated experience with projects involving integration of information from a variety of disciplines and methods used in physical hydrogeological research.
3. Six years of experience with groundwater resource assessment in heavily stressed aquifers.
4. Six years of experience interacting with stakeholders such as water managers, state agencies, NGO's, or he public.

Contact Information to Applicants
For additional information contact Scott Ishman, sishman@ku.edu
For HR questions contact Annette Delaney, adelaney@ku.edu,785-864-2152
Additional Candidate Instruction
A complete online application consists of:

1. [PDF] Cover letter detailing application to specific rank, research experience, interests, and how the candidate meets the required and preferred qualifications (not to exceed 3 pages)
2. IPDFI Full CV
3. [PDF] A peer-reviewed publication the applicant believes showcases their research interests and expertise.
4. [PDF] Contact information for 3 professional references

Review of applications will begin October 17, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. Interviews will be tentatively scheduled in January 2026, with a tentative start date of June 1, 2026; the exact start date is negotiable.
Advertised Salary Range
Salary is commensurate with education and experience
Application Review Begins
17-Oct-2025
Anticipated Start Date
01-Jun-2026
Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE
1.0
Reg/Temp
Regular
Employee Class
A-Unclassified Academic Staff
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 the Office of 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.