Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (https://engineering.msu.edu/about/departments/cee). This is a one-year position renewed annually with extension contingent on funding and performance. The research associate will have the following responsibilities:

The new hire will work on hydrological and hydrodynamic modeling, with a focus on the use models such as CaMa-Flood with dams, and coastal hydrodynamics models (e.g., FVCOM). The new hire will also work on integrating land surface models such as CLM with CaMa-Flood, considering nutrient cycle (e.g., nitrogen routing), hydropower operation, irrigation, and groundwater pumping. A strong Engineering and computational modeling background is essential.  The new hire will be a key member collaborating with an interdisciplinary team within MSU and globally. The research associate will have opportunities to closely interact with a wide range of stakeholders and collaborators toward developing sustainable solutions for dam development and operation, irrigation and groundwater use.

There will be close coordination with the social science team to utilize socio-economic data in driving the model and using outcomes to understand social dimensions of irrigation and groundwater use, and their role in the Earth system.  There will be ample opportunities and resources for the research associate to grow professionally and achieve career goals. The appointment will be initially for one year with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and continuation of funding.

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 and Environmental Engineering with focus on Water Resources, or a closely related field.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in hydrology, earth science, and/or related field within the last 5 years.
• A demonstrable understanding of watershed hydrology and human impacts on water systems, evidenced by previous research outputs.
• Expertise in developing and working with high resolution land surface modelling (Community Land Model and National Water Model) or global scale hydrodynamic model (CaMa-Flood), Coastal Hydrodynamic modeling (FVCOM), nitrogen routing models, data analysis and visualization, writing and modifying scientific code in Python and/or Fortran are required. A recent publication using these models is a plus.
• Be able to work independently and in collaboration with other researchers; publish findings in peer-reviewed journals; and write proposals and reports.
• Ability to handle and process large data on 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 is a prerequisite for this position.
• Excellent programming skills in Fortran and Python and good command in using Linux and parallel computing using high performance computing systems, and ability to develop new codes and integrate those into the existing modeling systems.
• Strong interest in working with a trans-disciplinary team to address socio-economic issues, and to interact with relevant stakeholders.
• Ability to supervise graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Statement of research interests and career goals
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Relevant publications
• Contact Information for Three References

Special Instructions

Application review will begin from 10/8/2025 on a continuing basis thereafter until the position is filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/08/2025

Website

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

Department Statement

Civil and Environmental engineering is organized to create a welcoming/inclusive campus community for students by collaborating with faculty, staff and students to develop programs and resources that will support curricular and co-curricular success and to prepare students to succeed academically and professionally.
The CEE Department is centered around civil engineering and environmental engineering degree programs. Some specialized disciplines include structures, pavements, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, water resources, and energy/sustainability.

MSU enjoys a park-like campus with some outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is adjacent to the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of approximately 541,000.  Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. For more information about University Health and Wellbeing, please visit: https://healthpromotion.msu.edu

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.