Are you an environmental scientist or ecologist looking for a prestigious postdoctoral research opportunity in the United States? Mississippi State University is inviting applications for a fully funded postdoctoral position in Ecosystem and Vegetation Modeling under the guidance of the renowned Ervin Lab.
This opportunity is part of the Next Generation ecosystem modeling initiative led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and supported by the Engineering Research and Development Center Environmental Laboratory (ERDC).
📌 Program Overview
- Host Institution: Mississippi State University (MSU) – Department of Biological Sciences
- Location: Starkville, Mississippi, USA
- Fellowship Type: Full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Start Date: Between June 30 – August 31, 2025
- Duration: Until September 2026
- Salary: Starting at $56,000/year
- Workload: Full-time (40+ hours per week)
🔬 Research Focus: Dynamic Vegetation Modeling
The selected postdoctoral fellow will contribute to the development and application of GenVeg, a dynamic vegetation model used to simulate wetland plant responses to changing environmental conditions. This process-based modeling tool supports data-driven ecological forecasting.
Key areas of focus include:
- Wetland vegetation response modeling
- Ecosystem simulation under environmental stressors
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with top-tier research institutions
🧪 Key Responsibilities
- Gather and synthesize existing ecological datasets on wetland vegetation
- Calibrate and validate GenVeg models in collaboration with USACE ERDC
- Present progress to stakeholders and attend collaborative meetings (some travel required)
- Publish high-quality, peer-reviewed research articles based on project findings
🌍 Collaborative Research Network
The position offers direct interaction with experts across multiple institutions, including:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ERDC, Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
- University of Colorado Boulder – Community Surface Dynamics Modeling System
- Geosystems Research Institute, MSU
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Plant Biology, or a related field
- Minimum 3 years of research experience (including PhD)
- Strong understanding of vegetation science and environmental datasets
- Excellent communication skills (scientific and interdisciplinary)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in ecological or ecosystem modeling (especially GenVeg)
- Ability to bridge fieldwork and computational modeling
- Proficiency with data-driven simulation tools and environmental modeling software
📬 Application Process
Interested candidates must apply through the official MSU job portal:
👉 Apply Now on the MSU Jobs Site (Insert the actual job application link)
For more information, contact:
Dr. Gary Ervin
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, MSU
📧 Email: gary.ervin@msstate.edu
📞 Phone: +1 662-325-1203
🔍 Why Choose MSU for Your Postdoctoral Research?
Mississippi State University is known for its cutting-edge research in ecological modeling, environmental science, and wetland ecosystems. This postdoc opportunity not only offers a competitive salary and collaborative environment but also provides real-world impact through partnerships with national research agencies.
📅 Don’t Miss Out – Deadline: July 31, 2025
This is a rare and competitive postdoctoral position in the USA for international and domestic candidates passionate about ecosystem modeling and vegetation science. Begin your academic journey at Mississippi State University and make a significant contribution to the future of environmental sustainability.