Hydrologic Data Specialist
Apply Now
How to Apply
Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site. A one page cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should:
Address your specific interest in the position and outline your experience that is directly related to this position.
Describe in detail your experience that pertains to each of the required qualifications listed below.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Hydrologic Data Scientist to support efforts underway at the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) and the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) to develop next generation hydrologic and water level forecasting of the Great Lakes and advance ice data analysis. In this position, you will:
Advance runoff prediction capabilities for the Great Lakes basin by improving and extending existing modeling frameworks such as the Large Basin Runoff Model (LBRM) and data-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches, including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and other machine learning models.
Generate and evaluate hydrologic hindcasts and forecasts to assess model fidelity, forecast reliability, and predictive skill across subseasonal to annual time scales.
Support operational transition and application of modeling and forecasting tools to partner agencies (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), including integration of lake-to-lake routing and development of probabilistic prediction capabilities.
Collaborate in the co-development of decision support tools that translate model outputs into actionable information for regional stakeholders, building on priorities identified in previous engagement activities.
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge hydrologic modeling, AI-driven prediction, and decision support efforts aimed at enhancing water resource management across the Great Lakes.
In addition to hydrologic modeling and data analysis work, you will also be expected to attend collaborative meetings and provide progress updates, present results at scientific conferences (e.g., the International Association for Great Lakes Research), and help prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals. You will be expected to work as part of an interdisciplinary team, as well as independently on individual job responsibilities and goals. In this position you will report to SEAS-CIGLR Assistant Research Scientist, Yi Hong.
This position is open only to US Citizens or permanent residents due to federal security clearance required for access to NOAA GLERL facilities and resources.
Term Limited Appointment: This is a one (1) year term limited appointment, with an opportunity for extension based on funding and performance.
Mission Statement
At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.
To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values .
Who We Are
Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (https://ciglr.seas.umich.edu/) (CIGLR), is part of the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. CIGLR is a collaboration between the University of Michigan and NOAA that brings together experts from academia and government research labs to address pressing problems facing the Great Lakes region.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Responsibilities*
Improve hydrologic and runoff modeling for the Great Lakes using tools such as LBRM and AI/ML approaches (e.g., LSTM).
Generate and evaluate hydrologic hindcasts and forecasts to assess model accuracy and reliability.
Support development of probabilistic lake-to-lake routing and forecasting capabilities for operational partners (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).
Manage and analyze large hydrometeorological datasets from models, observations, and remote sensing.
Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations summarizing research outcomes.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in hydrology, civil/environmental engineering, atmospheric science, data science, or a related field.
At least 1 year of related professional or academic experience.
Experience with hydrologic modeling and data analysis in Python, MATLAB, or similar environments. Experience with AI/ML applications in hydrology and environmental modeling preferred.
Strong quantitative, programming, and data management skills.
Familiarity with Great Lakes hydrology, water balance, or large-scale watershed modeling is desired, but not required.
Modes of Work
You will spend the majority of time at NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) in Ann Arbor. Our team offersflexible work styles (https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/work-life/variable-work-options) , such as flexible hours and/or flexible workplace (with approved agreements in place), however this position is not eligible for fully remote work.
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .
Additional Information
Salary will be determined based on experience.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
272037
Working Title
Hydrologic Data Specialist
Job Title
Research Lab Specialist Assoc
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
School Nat Res Envir
Department
SEAS CIGLR
Posting Begin/End Date
12/17/2025 - 1/16/2026
Salary
$60,000.00 - $65,000.00
Career Interest
Engineering & Architecture
Primary
Research
Apply Now
