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 (KGS), a research and service unit at the University of Kansas, and will be co-supervised by Jim Butler (https://kgs.ku.edu/people/james-j-butler-jr) and Geoff Bohling (https://kgs.ku.edu/people/geoffrey-c-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.

Salary, Employment Status, and Fringe Benefits: This position has an expected salary range of $60,000 to $65,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Other benefits include university staff privileges; up to 176 hours of paid vacation earned per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, and nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day annually; group medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, and retirement program options.

The initial appointment will be for two years with the possibility of renewal for another two years assuming satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Job Description

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

1. Ph.D. in a discipline related to hydrogeophysics.
2. Prior experience demonstrating a solid theoretical understanding of the physical principles governing AEM survey responses as indicated in application materials.
3. Experience working with physically based forward and inverse modeling of time-domain AEM data as indicated in application materials.
4. Experience working both independently and collaboratively as indicated in application materials.
5. 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

1. Experience with AEM modeling software as indicated in application materials.
2. Experience with data analysis in R and/or Python as indicated in application materials.
3. Experience working with AEM surveys of unconsolidated aquifers as indicated in application materials.
4. Experience with sedimentological principles governing aquifer structure as indicated in application materials.
5. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams on aquifer characterization projects as indicated in application materials.

Contact Information to Applicants
For technical questions contact Jim Butler, [email protected], or Geoff Bohling, [email protected].
For HR questions contact Annette Delaney, [email protected].
Additional Candidate Instruction
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. [PDF] Cover letter detailing how the candidate meets the required and preferred qualifications.
2. [PDF] Full CV.
3. Unofficial transcripts.
4. [PDF] Contact information for 3 professional references with relation to references.

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
Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE
1.0
Reg/Temp
Regular
FLSA Status
Professional
Employee Class
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
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, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.