The Field Wire: Issue #8
The Weekly Jobs Digest for Earth Science, Water, and Engineering | May 13, 2026
Welcome to Issue #8 of The Field Wire — your weekly roundup of research positions, jobs, fellowships, and funding opportunities across earth science, water resources, and engineering.
This week brings 34 opportunities. Several deadlines fall within this week — scroll quickly!
From graduate and early-career openings to specialist and senior positions, each issue is designed to help readers discover relevant opportunities in one place.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this week’s selection helps you find your next opportunity.
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🎓 PhD & Graduate Fellowships
🚨 Urgent — May 13
PhD: Advanced Lagrangian Modelling of CO₂ Capture Plumes — University of Trento + NILU (Norway)
📍 Trento, Italy (with research stays at NILU, Kjeller) ⏰ Deadline: May 13, 2026 💰 PNRR-funded doctoral stipend 📧 massimo.cassiani@unitn.it
Joint PhD between University of Trento and the Norwegian Institute for Air Research. Focus on Lagrangian particle modelling of CO₂ transport and atmospheric plume dynamics. Strong modelling and programming background preferred.
⏰ Deadline: June 1
PhD: Sediment Dynamics and Biogeochemistry of the Danube Delta — University of Bucharest — DELTA-Hub Consortium
📍 Bucharest, Romania (fieldwork in Danube Delta) ⏰ Deadline: June 1, 2026 💰 ~€3,100/month gross (EU-funded) 📧 delta.hub@geo.unibuc.ro
DELTA-Hub project investigating sediment transport, nutrient cycling, and carbon dynamics in one of Europe’s largest wetland systems. Apply via email with CV and motivation letter.
⏰ Deadline: May 29
PhD: Ice Dynamics and Sea Level — Melting Greenland’s Ice Sheet — Imperial College London
📍 London, UK ⏰ Deadline: May 29, 2026 💰 £23,805/yr stipend + Home tuition fees (NERC-funded) 📧 f.simpson@imperial.ac.uk
Fully funded NERC studentship on Greenland outlet glacier dynamics and sea level contribution. Combines remote sensing, glaciological fieldwork, and numerical modelling. UK/Home-rate students only.
⏰ Deadline: June 30
PhD: Extreme Weather Risk Forecasting for Coastal Infrastructure — University of Strathclyde
📍 Glasgow, UK ⏰ Deadline: June 30, 2026 💰 UKRI stipend (~£19,237/yr) + UK home fees 📧 chris.white@strath.ac.uk
Industry-partnered EPSRC studentship developing probabilistic risk models for extreme weather impacts on lighthouse infrastructure. Interdisciplinary — meteorology, structural engineering, and risk analysis.
📅 Rolling — Fall 2026
PhD: Coastal Biogeochemistry and Carbon Cycling — University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
📍 Baltimore, MD, USA 📅 Rolling — Fall 2026 start 📧 s.comer-warner@umbc.edu
The Comer-Warner Lab seeks PhD students for research on nutrient and carbon dynamics in tidal freshwater and coastal wetland systems. Involves field sampling, stable isotope analysis, and GHG flux measurements. Contact PI directly with CV and research statement.
🔬 Postdoctoral Opportunities
⏰ Deadline: May 20
Postdoc: Arctic Climate Dynamics and Climate Intervention — UCLA — Kok Group
📍 Los Angeles, CA, USA ⏰ Deadline: May 20, 2026 📧 jfkok@ucla.edu
Investigate Arctic aerosol-cloud interactions and marine cloud brightening scenarios using observations and models. Strong background in atmospheric science, climate modelling, or remote sensing required. Email CV, cover letter, and 2 references.
⏰ Deadline: May 20
Postdoc: Southern Hemisphere Climate Science (Part-Time) — Ohio University
📍 Athens, OH, USA (28 hr/week, 1 year) ⏰ Deadline: May 20, 2026
Part-time postdoctoral role focused on Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation variability using reanalyses and GCM output. Suitable for early-career researchers with flexibility needs.
⏰ Deadline: June 15
Postdoc: Land Surface Influence on General Atmospheric Circulation — Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M)
📍 Hamburg, Germany ⏰ Deadline: June 15, 2026 💰 E14 TVöD — 2-year appointment 📧 Dr. Moritz Guenther (MPI-M)
Investigates how land surface feedbacks (soil moisture, vegetation, albedo) modulate large-scale atmospheric dynamics. Strong dynamical meteorology and coupled modelling skills required at one of the world’s leading climate research institutes.
📅 Open until filled
Postdoc: Cold Clouds and Satellite-Model Bridging — Chalmers University of Technology
📍 Gothenburg, Sweden 📅 Open until filled (2-year appointment)
Improve cloud microphysics parameterizations in climate models using satellite data, with emphasis on cold-process clouds. Department of Space, Earth, and Environment at a leading Scandinavian technical university.
📅 Not specified
Postdoc: Climate Tipping Points and AMOC Variability — Chiba University, Japan
📍 Chiba, Japan 📧 atsushi.okazaki@chiba-u.jp
Investigating AMOC tipping points using data assimilation and coupled climate models. The Okazaki Lab is a strong computational climate group. Contact PI directly for details and timeline.
📅 Rolling
Postdoc: Hydrologic-Hydraulic Modelling (Multiple Positions) — Princeton University — High Meadows Environmental Institute
📍 Princeton, NJ, USA 📅 Rolling 📧 gvillari@princeton.edu
Multiple postdoctoral openings in watershed modelling, flood forecasting, and coupled hydrologic-hydraulic simulation. Python/Fortran/Julia experience and familiarity with VIC, WRF-Hydro, or SCHISM preferred.
🏛️ Faculty & Senior Positions
🚨 Urgent — May 15
Intergovernmental Specialist (Environment) — United Nations Women
📍 New York, NY, USA 🚨 Deadline: May 15, 2026
Supports Member State engagement on environmental sustainability and climate-water-gender issues at the Commission on the Status of Women. Requires 5+ years in multilateral environmental policy.
📅 Open until filled
Theme Lead — AI for Weather & Climate Forecasting (Principal Research Scientist) — The Alan Turing Institute
📍 London, UK 📅 Open until filled
Senior leadership role shaping the Turing Institute’s research agenda in ML-based weather prediction. Equivalent to Principal Scientist or full Professor. Strong track record in applied ML, NWP, or climate modelling required.
📅 Open until filled
Research Lead — AI for Weather & Climate Forecasting — The Alan Turing Institute
📍 London, UK 📅 Open until filled
Develops and executes AI-based weather research projects in partnership with the UK Met Office and ECMWF. Companion role to the Theme Lead above. Equivalent to Senior Research Scientist level.
📅 Open until filled
Director, Ocean Department — MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute)
📍 Oslo, Norway 📅 Open until filled
Leads operational ocean forecasting, research, and international collaborations at one of Europe’s premier national meteorological services. Extensive experience in physical oceanography and research/operational leadership required.
📅 Open until filled
Director of Science — The Nature Conservancy — North America Region
📍 Salt Lake City, UT or Reno, NV, USA 📅 Open until filled
Leads strategic science for conservation programmes across the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau. 10+ years experience in conservation biology, hydrology, or related field required, plus significant leadership experience.
📅 Rolling
Visiting Assistant Professor — Environment, Geography, or Geoscience — Augustana College
📍 Rock Island, IL, USA 📅 Rolling 💰 $43,000–$46,000/yr📧 sarahlashley@augustana.edu
One-year teaching-focused VAP at a liberal arts college. Teaching spans introductory Earth science, environmental studies, and a specialty course. Good opportunity for early-career researchers seeking teaching experience.
🔧 Research & Technical Roles
🚨 Urgent — May 13
Natural Resource Scientist 2 — Washington Department of Ecology
📍 Spokane, WA, USA 🚨 Deadline: May 13, 2026 💰 $66,372–$89,316/yr
Conducts freshwater quality monitoring, permitting review, and TMDL development for eastern Washington watersheds. Strong background in water quality science or hydrology required.
🚨 Urgent — May 13
Research Scientist 5 (Water Pollution) — New York Department of Environmental Conservation
📍 Albany, NY, USA 🚨 Deadline: May 13, 2026
Senior scientist leading water quality research and monitoring across New York’s surface waters. Designs sampling programs, interprets data, and coordinates with regulatory and academic partners. PhD or equivalent experience preferred.
🚨 Urgent — May 14
International Expert on Water Governance and Water Law — UNESCO International Hydrological Programme
📍 Home-based (remote) 🚨 Deadline: May 14, 2026
Consultancy supporting global water law and governance framework development. Deliverable-based assignment. Ideal for senior academics or practitioners in water law, international environmental law, or water governance.
🚨 Urgent — May 14
Water Conservation Specialist 2 — Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
📍 Lewistown, MT, USA 🚨 Deadline: May 14, 2026
Administers water rights, reviews conservation plans, and supports drought response coordination across central Montana. Hydrology or natural resources background required.
🚨 Urgent — May 15
Stream Restoration Project Manager — Ausable Freshwater Center (AFC)
📍 Wilmington, NY, USA 🚨 Deadline: May 15, 2026
Leads stream restoration and fluvial geomorphology projects in the Adirondacks. Background in watershed science, project management, and stakeholder engagement required. Leading regional freshwater conservation organization.
🚨 Urgent — May 16
Watershed & Hydrology Expert — World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Indonesia)
📍 Jakarta, Indonesia🚨 Deadline: May 16, 2026
10+ years experience in watershed hydrology, IWRM, or freshwater conservation in Southeast Asia required. Supports sustainable water management and ecosystem conservation in Borneo and Sumatra.
⏰ Deadline: May 17
Staff Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 3 in Training) — Washington Department of Ecology
📍 Union Gap, WA, USA⏰ Deadline: May 17, 2026💰 $66,372–$105,909/yr
Supports groundwater permitting, aquifer studies, and TMDL development in central Washington. Structured training pathway to full Hydrogeologist 3 classification. Excellent long-term career position.
⏰ Deadline: May 21
Environmental Scientist — California State Water Resources Control Board
📍 Sacramento, CA, USA⏰ Deadline: May 21, 2026
Supports water quality monitoring, data analysis, and regulatory programme development. High-impact role at the state agency responsible for California’s water quality standards and permits.
⏰ Deadline: May 26
Research Engineer — Sonnblick High-Alpine Observatory — GeoSphere Austria
📍 Salzburg, Austria⏰ Deadline: May 26, 2026📧 jobs@geosphere.at
Supports instrument operation, data quality control, and scientific analysis at the Sonnblick Observatory (3,106 m a.s.l.). Background in atmospheric science, instrumentation, or environmental engineering preferred. Permanent, full-time position.
⏰ Deadline: May 27
Principal Engineer, Coastal & Ocean Basin — Flanders Maritime Lab / Ghent University
📍 Ostend, Belgium⏰ Deadline: May 27, 2026
Leads physical model testing and numerical modelling for coastal engineering projects. Expertise in coastal hydrodynamics or wave modelling (SWAN, Delft3D, OpenFOAM) required. Permanent, full-time position with a leading European maritime lab.
⏰ Deadline: June 15
GIS Programmer III — Texas Water Development Board
📍 Austin, TX, USA⏰ Deadline: June 15, 2026
Develops and maintains geospatial databases and web applications supporting statewide water planning. Proficiency in Python, ArcGIS Pro/ESRI stack, and PostgreSQL/PostGIS required.
⏰ Review begins June 1
Geosciences Technician — Hamilton College
📍 Clinton, NY, USA⏰ Review begins June 1, 2026
Supports undergraduate teaching and faculty research in the Geosciences Department. Responsibilities include instrument maintenance, sample preparation, and fieldwork support. Ideal for MS-level candidates seeking academic technical roles.
📅 Rolling
Water Resources Staff Engineer — Dewberry
📍 New York, NY, USA📅 Rolling
Supports stormwater, floodplain, and watershed management projects across the Northeast. Experience with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, or SWMM preferred. Strong opportunity for candidates with 3–7 years experience.
💰 Funding, Awards & Other Opportunities
⏰ Deadline: May 18
DWD/ECMWF STEP UP! Early Career Fellowship — Tracks 1–4 (Ref 20260572)
German Weather Service (DWD) + ECMWF
📍 Offenbach, Germany + ECMWF (Reading/Bologna). Start: January 2027 ⏰ Deadline: May 18, 2026 💰 €2,900/month — 2-year appointment
⚠️ Updated deadline: This fellowship appeared in Issue #7 with “Deadline: Check BAV website.” The deadline is now confirmed as May 18, 2026. Don’t miss it.
Funds early-career researchers (within 5 years of PhD) across four tracks: NWP, climate science, observations, and AI/ML for weather. Strong international collaborative environment between DWD and ECMWF.
⏰ Deadline: May 18
DWD/ECMWF STEP UP! Early Career Fellowship — Tracks 1–4 (Ref 20260571)
German Weather Service (DWD) + ECMWF
📍 Offenbach, Germany + ECMWF. Start: January 2027 ⏰ Deadline: May 18, 2026 💰 €2,900/month — 2-year appointment
⚠️ Updated deadline: See note in entry above. Candidates may apply to both reference numbers.
Second advertised STEP UP! Fellowship position under a separate reference number. Same programme and terms as the entry above. Contact BAV for details on track availability per reference.
⏰ Deadline: June 7
Executive Director of Expeditions & Operations
Active Philanthropy
📍 Berlin, Germany / Remote (Europe) ⏰ Deadline: June 7, 2026
Leads field expeditions, grantmaking logistics, and conservation programme operations at an environmental foundation. Senior professionals with expedition management and nonprofit leadership experience encouraged to apply.
📅 Rolling
Environmental Science Impact Fellowship
Environmental Protection Network (EPN)
📍 Remote (USA) 📅 Rolling applications
EPN connects former EPA and federal environmental scientists with state agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions. Project-based placements for scientists displaced from federal positions. A vital lifeline for the federal science community.
📅 Not specified
Manager, Project on Climate Change and Trade
Harvard Kennedy School
📍 Cambridge, MA, USA📅 Not specified
Leads research operations for an initiative on international trade policy and climate change. Responsibilities span project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis. Background in environmental economics or international climate policy preferred.