Post Doctoral Fellow

The Department of Geography at Indiana University Bloomington invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct independent research under the joint mentorship of Dr. Darren Ficklin (Indiana University Bloomington) and Dr. Margaret Zimmer (University of Wisconsin–Madison). The postdoctoral scholar will be based in the Department of Geography at Indiana University Bloomington and will have opportunities to interact and collaborate with research groups at both Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

This position provides an opportunity for an early-career researcher to develop and lead an independent research project broadly related to the complementary research interests of Drs. Ficklin and Zimmer. Rather than being tied to a predetermined research project, the position is designed to support creative, independent scholarship. Applicants are asked to propose a research project that they would pursue during the postdoctoral appointment.

Dr. Ficklin’s research broadly focuses on hydrology and hydroclimatology, including climate change impacts on hydrologic systems, hydrologic modeling, streamflow and stream temperature, and large-scale computational approaches. Dr. Zimmer’s research focuses on watershed hydrology, including water quantity and quality, surface water–groundwater interactions, non-perennial streams, and soil water, with a strong emphasis on field-based investigation. Together, these areas provide opportunities for research spanning field observations, process-based hydrology, hydroclimatology, and computational and modeling approaches.

Broad areas of potential interest include, but are not limited to:

• climate change impacts on hydrologic systems;

• watershed and catchment hydrology;

• hydroclimatology and climate–water interactions;

• surface water–groundwater interactions;

• non-perennial streams and hydrologic connectivity;

• soil water and subsurface hydrologic processes;

• water quantity and water quality;

• streamflow and stream temperature;

• hydrologic and environmental modeling;

• field-based hydrologic and environmental research;

• extreme hydroclimatic events;

• large-scale or computational hydrology;

• climate and hydrologic data analysis; and

• related questions at the intersection of climate, water, and environmental change.

Computational and modeling project ideas are all encouraged, particularly projects that creatively integrate observations with modeling, data science, remote sensing, or other quantitative approaches. Applicants are not expected to propose work identical to existing projects in either research group. Rather, proposed projects should take advantage of the complementary expertise

of Drs. Ficklin and Zimmer while allowing the postdoctoral scholar to establish a distinct research direction.

The successful candidate will have substantial independence in developing and carrying out their research agenda while being an active member of the Ficklin Lab at Indiana University. The postdoctoral scholar will work alongside Ph.D. and undergraduate students, participate in lab meetings and research activities, and contribute to a collaborative research environment. Regular interaction and collaboration with Dr. Zimmer and her research group at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will also be encouraged. Opportunities will additionally exist to develop collaborations within the Department of Geography and across Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Geography, Hydrology, Climate Science, Earth or Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.

Competitive applicants will demonstrate:

• A strong record of research appropriate to their career stage.

• Evidence of the ability to conduct independent research.

• Experience with quantitative, computational, and/or observational research methods appropriate to their area of expertise.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• The ability and interest to work both independently and collaboratively within a research group.

• Strong scientific programming skills.

Research Proposal

As part of the application, applicants should submit a two-page research proposal describing the project they would pursue during the postdoctoral appointment.

The proposal should address:

1. The primary research question(s) and their scientific significance.

2. The proposed methodological approach, including any experiments, datasets, observations, models, or computational resources that would be required.

3. The anticipated research products or outcomes.

4. How the proposed work connects with or complements the research expertise of Drs. Ficklin and Zimmer and how the project could benefit from their complementary expertise.

5. How the project would contribute to the applicant’s longer-term independent research trajectory.

The proposal should be sufficiently focused to demonstrate that the project is feasible within the two-year postdoctoral appointment, while recognizing that the research plan may evolve through discussions with Drs. Ficklin and Zimmer after the scholar begins the position.

Applicants are encouraged to propose ambitious and innovative projects. Proposed projects need not replicate ongoing research in either research group but should have sufficient intellectual or methodological overlap to benefit from the combined expertise and research environments of the two groups.

Department Contact for Questions

Applicants with questions regarding the position should contact both Dr. Darren Ficklin ([email protected]) and Dr. Margaret Zimmer ([email protected]).

Additional Qualifications

Applicants should submit:

1. A cover letter describing their interest in the position, relevant research background, and how the postdoctoral opportunity aligns with their career goals.

2. A curriculum vitae.

3. A two-page research proposal as described above.

4. Two representative publications or manuscripts. Both manuscripts should be under review.

5. Contact information for two professional references.

Salary and Rank

60,000

Special Instructions

This is a two-year, full-time position housed in the Department of Geography at Indiana University Bloomington. The postdoctoral scholar will be based at Indiana University and jointly mentored by Dr. Darren Ficklin at Indiana University Bloomington and Dr. Margaret Zimmer at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

For Best Consideration Date

12/01/2026

Expected Start Date

01/04/2027

Posting Number

IU-101736-2026