Persistent contamination in bedrock aquifers has been described as one of the greatest challenges to groundwater protection and cleanup. The Hydrogeology Research Group at the University of Iowa is recruiting a post-doctoral fellow to help advance our understanding of contaminant transport and fate in sedimentary rock aquifers through field-based research at a fractured sandstone site with DNAPL contamination. The project is part of a twenty plus year industry/academic partnership including the contaminated site owner and academic researchers through the University Consortium (https://theuniversityconsortium.org/). U Iowa and the Morwick G360 Institute for Groundwater Research at the University of Guelph are directing this research with collaborations with the site owner, their consultants, and numerical modeling experts at Matrix Solutions Inc. (a Montrose Environmental Company). The U Iowa team will be focused on using diverse and detailed field data on the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of the aged multicomponent DNAPL source zone and downgradient plumes to inform attenuation processes and rates.

Example topics that could be addressed included:

• Using a combination of novel field data sets and numerical modeling results to quantify contaminant fluxes from the source zone under current and future conditions.


• Developing field data-based approaches to estimate/quantify natural source zone depletion in a fractured sedimentary rock environment.


• Developing an approach for using complementary field data sets to constrain plume scale degradation rates needed to simulate contaminant transport and fate with dual porosity and discrete fracture network-matrix models.

Field data sets available to support the various research topics to be addressed in both the source zone and plume include high-resolution geophysical, hydraulic, and contaminant concentration data as well as compound specific isotope analyses results, hydrochemistry parameters, and microbial variety and abundance from qPCR analyses.

Funding is available for two years, contingent on performance. The post-doctoral fellow will have access to an exceptionally well instrumented field hydrogeology research site and the associated data collected over the past four decades of conventional and research investigations. Consequently, although the initial focus will be on attenuation in fractured sedimentary rock systems, the post-doctoral fellow will be encouraged to initiate new lines of research as well. Funding will also be available to support presentation of results at national and international conferences.

Application contents:

• Cover letter describing the applicant's research experiences and interests.


• Curriculum vitae including a summary of education and research experience, publication list, involvement in research grants, etc.


• Name, addresses, emails, and phone numbers for three academic referees.

Contact:

Applications or informal inquiries can be sent to Dr. Meyer (jessica-meyer@uiowa.edu). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.