Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Hydro Water Quality Lab (https://www.canr.msu.edu/hydro-water-quality/) in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in the area of Watershed Modeling and Data Analytics.

This position is part of MSU’s Agricultural Climate Resiliency Project(https://www.canr.msu.edu/agricultural-resiliency/), a collaborative initiative involving experts from Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Kellogg Biological Station, hydrology, irrigation, and MSU Extension. The successful candidate will contribute to efforts aimed at reducing harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Great Lakes region—including Western Lake Erie, Saginaw Bay, and others—through water quality monitoring and modeling of innovative conservation practices at both field and watershed scales using SWAT+ and APEX models.

In addition to watershed modeling, the postdoc will have the opportunity to engage in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications, including the development of mobile tools for the State of Michigan and the Great Lakes region. These tools will address topics such as the integration of water quality and soil health data.

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences. The position is based on MSU’s main campus in East Lansing, Michigan, and will be supervised by Dr. Subhasis Giri, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.

This is an end dated position for one year. Possibility of renewal will be on funding availability and performance.

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

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Hydrology, Biosystems or Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science/Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated record of publishing in high-impact journals as first author.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong self-motivation and ability to work independently.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with watershed and field-scale modeling using SWAT+ and APEX.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R for data processing.
• Background in applying AI/ML techniques to hydrology or water quality research.
• Strong collaborative and writing skills.

Required Application Materials

C.V., written statement detailing how your previous experience aligns with qualifications and responsibilities of this position, and three professional references.

Special Instructions

For more information, please contact Dr. Subhasis Giri at girisubh@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/03/2025

Summary of Physical Demands

Carrying 60 pounds with team members. 

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/bae/

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.