Research in Dr. Chi Chen’s group at the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, focuses on monitoring and modeling vegetation/ecosystem dynamics. The Chen lab integrates data from remote sensing, ground-based observations, and earth system models to understand how the terrestrial biosphere interacts with global changes, in particular, to understand natural and anthropogenic drivers of ecosystem dynamics and their climate consequences. These studies aim to benefit land management practices and assess nature-based climate solutions, including but not limited to cooling surface temperatures, enhancing net terrestrial carbon sink, securing food/agriculture production, improving urban planning, and protecting the terrestrial ecosystem under climate change and human activities. 

***If you are interested in joining Dr. Chi Chen's group, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Chi Chen (chi.chen[AT].rutgers.edu).  Please include your CV and research interests in your email.***

Two postdoc positions are available in 2024. 

Before you apply, please send (1) a copy of CV, (2) relevant peer-reviewed publications, (3) a 1 to 2-page cover letter indicating research interests and plan, and (4) the contact information of three references to Dr. Chi Chen. 

Current available positions:

1. Project title: "Embracing the 3D Era: Exploring Vertical Acclimation of Vegetation Canopy Structure and Photosynthetic Activities through GEDI Data". This is a NASA-funded project [click here].

Application link: https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/219349

Expected start date: negotiable, as early as Spring 2024.

Brief description: The Chen Lab of Ecosystem Dynamics and Remote Sensing is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to lead research in modeling vegetation photosynthetic activities using space-borne LiDAR data.

The successful candidate will lead research on 1) Developing remote sensing products focusing on canopy vertical leaf area distributions; 2) Upscaling leaf-level processes to the canopy level; 3) Investigating seasonal and vertical structural changes in vegetation. 

This role will involve using in situ measurements from eddy covariance flux towers and utilizing vertical mapping data from NASA’s Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission. Through GEDI, we aim to apply eco-evolutionary optimization theories to constrain vegetation carbon and water fluxes, as well as explore photosynthetic traits.

The candidate will be responsible for drafting manuscripts for publication and participating in regional, national, and international conferences, including NASA GEDI science team meetings.

This is a three-year project, with an initial contract duration of 12 months, extendable based on the candidate’s performance.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following background:

• Experience in quantitative remote sensing, plant physiology/hydraulics, photosynthesis modeling, canopy radiative transfer modeling, land surface modeling, and flux tower data analysis.

• Proficient in scientific programming (e.g., Matlab, Python, R).

• Experience in high-performance computing in Unix-based operating systems.

2. Project title: This position offers flexible research direction, similar to a postdoctoral fellowship. Candidates can define their own research focus.

Application link: https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/196078

Expected start date: negotiable and can start at any time.

Brief description: We seek motivated researchers with research interests aligned with our lab. Preferred research directions include analysis of land use and climate change impacts, land surface modeling (water-carbon-energy), and application or development of optimization theories for vegetation processes. Additionally, integration of the above research with remote sensing applications in combination with process-driven models or machine/deep learning is welcome.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Backgrounds in ecology, geoscience, earth science, environmental science, geography, atmospheric science, hydrology, remote sensing, GIS, or a closely related field are encouraged to apply. 

• Knowledge in quantitative remote sensing, monitoring vegetation dynamics, land surface energy balance, plant physiology/hydraulics, photosynthesis and carbon cycle modeling, or other canopy process modelings. 

• Skills in high-performance computing in Unix-based operating systems and scientific computing languages (e.g., Matlab, Python, R). 

Interested candidates must apply online at https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/ before December 1 of each year. 

Before you apply, please let me know your research interests and send (1) a copy of CV and (2) unofficial transcripts to Dr. Chi Chen. I currently accept students through the Ecology & Evolution program. Details of the Ph.D. program: https://ecoevo.rutgers.edu/. Application processes are explained at https://ecoevo.rutgers.edu/application-process.html. 

Please contact me via chi.chen[AT].rutgers.edu to discuss potential projects.

Intereted undergradaute students may check for opportunities at Rutgers Aresty: https://aresty.rutgers.edu/programs/research-assistant-program

There are several fellowship opportunities provided by Rutgers and other national funding agencies. Please be prepared for application deadlines.

• Rutgers supported:

  1. Graduate students: https://grad.rutgers.edu/diversity-and-outreach/fellowships-and-funding

  2. Postdocs: https://academicaffairs.rutgers.edu/postdoctoral-fellows

• Externally supported:

  1.  Graduate students: NASA Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (NASA-FINESST)

  2.  Graduate students: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program  (NSF-GRFP) 

  3.  Postdocs: NSF Earth Sciences (NSF-EAR-PF)

  4.  Postdocs: NOAA Climate and Global Change (NOAA-C&GC)

• Please also check possible opportunities from other funding agencies: NASA, NOAA,  USDA, USGS

Rutgers University follows a policy to provide affirmative action and equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment. As a university, Rutgers is committed to fostering and maintaining a diverse and welcoming workplace. As a group leader, I strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to contact me and join my team.