Interested individuals should submit a single pdf file that includes a cover letter that outlines the applicant's research and career goals, their curriculum vitae (CV), a copy of at least one representative research publication, and contact information for three references electronically to: Dr. Fayne at JFayne@umich.edu. Questions may be directed to Dr. Fayne at JFayne@umich.edu and Dr. Kharbush at JenanJK@umich.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and only applications that follow the submission guidelines will be considered. We anticipate filling positions as early as January 2025.   

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor campus) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with a research background in the fields including wetland science, hydrology, carbon sequestration, land cover change, and climate change. The researcher will help design and lead the research component of a pilot scale project to assess the impacts of vegetation type and vegetation health in wetlands on carbon flux estimates. The goal of this research is to investigate these processes at a higher spatial scale than has been previously assessed, using remotely sensed data and modeling methods.

The project is led by Prof. Jessica Fayne (EES), Prof. Jenan Kharbush (EES), and Prof. Alexandra Szczuka (CEE). The postdoctoral research fellow will be expected to contribute to research efforts in the Fayne and Kharbush research labs, including manuscript preparation, grant writing, and student mentorship.  

The start date for the position is expected to be between January-April 2025. 

An ideal candidate for this position should be highly motivated to contribute to scientific research on wetland science, hydrology, ecology, and climate change. The candidate should also have strong remote sensing and/or modeling skills, which would enable them to assess the impacts of land cover variability.  The position is especially well suited for Ph.D. graduates who are focused on developing new theoretical understandings of remote sensing and modeling methods for studying climate change through the lens of vegetation health, water quality, and water quantity. 

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Civil Engineering, or a related field. A Ph.D. is required on or before the start date.

Experience with contaminant quantification using the soil water assessment tool (SWAT) or HEC-RAS hydrological models is desired but not required.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This is a one-year appointment. Funding for the position is available for up to two years, contingent on sufficient progress after the first year. The position may be extended after the initial two years, subject to the availability of funds. 

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.