"Postdoctoral Research Fellow"

Position Summary

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Central Michigan University is seeking an Earth System Modeling & Precipitation Extremes Postdoctoral Research Fellow. This position is initially for a one-year appointment with the potential for renewal. The successful applicant will join a dynamic group investigating future climate impacts on precipitation and how that affects flood conditions and community resiliency.

The postdoctoral research fellow will work as part of a team on the Building Predictive Capacity to Enhance Stormwater Infrastructure and Flood Resilience project. This project is focused on providing community-relevant information for Michigan to enhance resilience to flood hazards. The project aims to produce data and tools that will help communities plan for and become more resilient to climate change in three pilot watersheds in Michigan: the Chippewa River, Lower Grand River, and Rouge River watersheds. The project will use both statistical and dynamical downscaling of near-term climate model projections to develop local precipitation models to allow the team to simulate future risks of floods and torrential rains. The project will use the DOE COMPASS-GLM coupled system to include lake processes within these projections. Analysis techniques will also include extreme value analysis and statistical analysis under non-stationary frameworks. The project is supported by the Department of Energy Climate Resiliency Center program and will involve engagement of community partners to assess relevant data.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science or in a closely related field.
• Experience in working with climate model data, modeling using the Weather Research and Forecasting platform, statistical analysis, high-performance computing, and an interest in developing community-relevant projections.
• Ability to carry out research responsibilities with limited guidance.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Message to Applicants

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering a broadly diverse and inclusive campus that respects all social identities, experiences, and perspectives. In an effort to further this initiative, we are especially interested in candidates who will advance and promote an inclusive and supportive environment for every member of our university community.

The position is available immediately but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled, with a preference given to those that can start in January 2025. To apply for the position at Central Michigan University, candidates must submit an online application in addition to a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, transcript copies, and contact information for three professional references. You may contact Professor John Allen with questions at allen4jt@cmich.edu.

This is a grant funded position and is dependent on the status of the funding. A second year extension of the position after the initial one-year appointment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued grant funding. Letters of interest may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

About the Department

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at CMU is a multidisciplinary department with expertise spanning Earth System Science, with a vibrant and collaborative environment and a strong reputation for scholarship and student outcomes. EAS offers B.S. degrees in Environmental Science, Meteorology, and Geology, and participates in the interdisciplinary Earth and Ecosystem Sciences Ph.D. program. We serve approximately 100 majors and minors across our programs and have a strong history of successful internship, career, and graduate school placements. More information about our department can be found at www.eas.cmich.edu.