Undergraduate Research Assistant in Flood Risk Mapping- GEOSCI
 The Pennsylvania State University | |
remote work
| |
 United States, Pennsylvania, University Park | |
| 201 Old Main (Show on map) | |
 Jan 28, 2026 | |
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS The department of Geosciences is searching for a undergraduate research assistant. Over the past 30 years, flooding has been the second largest cause of weather-related fatalities in the USA.This can be particularly dangerous in urban centers where there are large concentrations of people and important infrastructure. As climate change alters precipitation patterns, extreme rainfall may become more likely in some locations, including the USA's Mid-Atlantic region. Baltimore, MD,is regularlyimpactedby flooding, which damages property, disrupts transit, and affectspeoples'livelihoods.The risks posed byfloodingareofteninequitablydistributedandcan have greater effect in places which areeconomically disadvantagedor topographically low-lying. This researchseeks to identify and map high flood risk zones in the city of Baltimore.Our team has createdanurban flooding model which simulates Baltimore's land surface and stormwater infrastructure. When the model isrun, we can visualize places where flooding is occurring.The goal of this work is tobuild a flood risk map of the city, linking places where flooding occurs, who is exposed, and who is vulnerable. The undergraduate research assistant will contribute to this effort bysearching for risk data across the city, using GIS tools to map out risk factors, and integrating flood modeling results.Through this work, the student will gain hands on experience with appliedclimate risk analysis, natural hazard mapping, andenvironmental inequity research. Desired skills and interests Applicants shoulddemonstrateinterest or experience in the following areas. An interest in climate science, environmental studies, data science, or related fields. The student should be curious and ready to learnmore about risk analysis! Prior experience with QGIS or ArcGIS, specifically importingand visualizing spatial datasets. Basiccodingexperience.The student should be prepared to learnto clean data and configuredatasets for import. How to apply Interested students shouldsubmitthe following materials.
This position is ideal for students who are interested in climate impactand risk analysisapproaches thatcan be applied to real world environmental challenges. Approx number of hours per week4 hours per week for 8 weeks Salary per hour, and max allowance (if any).$20 per hour up to 35 hours Start and end date (approximate)February 9 to April 30 BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines | |