Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate – Hydro-Economics
Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at Iowa State University is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in hydro-economics. The postdoctoral researcher will primarily work with Dr. Lu Liu on an EPA-funded research project to accelerate water reuse in small communities.
The work includes conducting technoeconomic and cost-benefit analyses for water reuse considerations. The position offers opportunities to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and to contribute to grant proposal development.
The successful candidate will have strong verbal and written communication skills and must be able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. This appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in water resources engineering, water resources science, environmental science, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
+ Extensive experience in water resources and technoeconomic analysis
+ Demonstrated experience with project management
+ Proven strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals
+ Experience or strong interest in communicating scientific information to the general public
+ Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering is dedicated to creating resilient buildings and bridges, safer roads, sustainable materials, innovative construction methods, clean drinking water systems, and intelligent infrastructure. Every aspect of the department’s work is focused on improving quality of life-across Iowa, throughout the nation, and around the world.
Department Unit/Website:Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering – Iowa State University Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering Website (https://www.ccee.iastate.edu/)
Proposed Start Date:June 1, 2026
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:June 1, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Application Instructions:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)- Flexible Spending Accounts- Various voluntary benefits and discounts- Employee Assistance Program- Wellbeing Program
Original Posting Date: March 11, 2026
Posting Close Date:April 20, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R18781
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
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If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.