Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) in the College of Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Scholar position in Dr. Yadu Pokhrel’s research group in hydrology and water resources. In this role, the postdoctoral scholar will work on hydrological and hydrodynamic modeling, using continental- to global-scale models to address research questions related to water-energy security and agricultural sustainability. A strong engineering and computing background is essential.

The postdoctoral scholar will be a key member of an interdisciplinary team collaborating within MSU, nationally, and internationally, and will have ample opportunities and resources to grow professionally and achieve career goals. This is a one-year position renewed annually with extension contingent on funding and performance.

Primary Responsibilities

Research and Modeling

• Apply continental- to global-scale hydrological and hydrodynamic models (e.g., CLM5, CaMa-Flood with dams, and coastal hydrodynamic models such as FVCOM) to research questions related to water-energy security and agricultural sustainability.
• Use socio-economic data to drive the models and use model outcomes to understand the social dimensions of irrigation and groundwater use and their role in the Earth system.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team within MSU, nationally, and internationally, including close coordination with the social science team.
• Interact with stakeholders and collaborators to develop sustainable solutions for dam development and operation, irrigation, and groundwater use.

Community of Respect and Innovation

At Michigan State University’s College of Engineering, we believe that education and innovation are strongest when built on mutual respect. Guided by MSU’s land-grant mission, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge, expanding access to education, and creating solutions that serve the common good. We are committed to a community where each person is respected, supported, and empowered to thrive—engineering with respect, innovating with purpose, building with trust, and growing through resilience. Learn more about our Community of Respect and Innovation.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Civil or Environmental Engineering with a focus on water resources, or a closely related field.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in civil and environmental engineering with specialization in hydrological modeling, Earth and environmental sciences, or a related field.
• A demonstrable understanding of watershed hydrology and human impacts on water systems, evidenced by previous research outputs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other researchers, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and write proposals and reports.
• Ability to handle and process large datasets of future climate and hydrologic projections.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Model development experience, especially with continental- to global-scale hydrodynamic, coastal, and hydrologic models.
• Excellent programming skills in Fortran and Python, proficiency in Linux and parallel computing on high-performance computing systems, and the ability to develop new code and integrate it into existing modeling systems.
• Expertise in developing and working with high-resolution land surface models (Community Land Model and National Water Model) or global-scale hydrodynamic models (CaMa-Flood), coastal hydrodynamic models (FVCOM), using AI/ML in hydrology, performing advanced data analysis and visualization, and writing and modifying scientific code in Python and/or Fortran. A recent publication using these models is a plus.
• Strong interest in working with a transdisciplinary team to address socioeconomic issues and interact with relevant stakeholders.
• Ability to supervise graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Statement of research interests and career goals (1 page maximum)
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Special Instructions

For full consideration, we must receive applications by November 9, 2026. Review of applications will begin on that date and continue until the position is filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

11/09/2026

Website

https://engineering.msu.edu/departments/cee

Department Statement

About the College of Engineering

For more than 130 years, the MSU College of Engineering has advanced, shared, and applied engineering knowledge to address society’s most pressing challenges. Guided by MSU’s land-grant mission, the College is committed to preparing students for academic, professional, and lifelong success through high-quality education, meaningful experiences, and connections that extend beyond the classroom.

The College’s eight departments offer programs spanning a broad range of engineering and computational disciplines. Through collaboration among faculty, academic staff, employers, alumni, and campus partners, the College provides students with opportunities to explore career pathways, gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and prepare for successful careers.

About the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University advances education, research, and innovation focused on creating resilient infrastructure and protecting human and environmental health. The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs that combine theory with hands-on, design-based learning. Its faculty, staff, and students work collaboratively across environmental engineering, transportation, structures, geotechnical and pavement engineering, sustainability, and water resources.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.