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 now! 

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

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

I will accept one new Ph.D. joining my group in Fall 2025.  

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.  Interested candidates must apply online at https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/ 

I currently accept students through TWO graduate programs.

(1) Graduate  Program in Ecology & Evolution

• Program Overview: https://ecoevo.rutgers.edu/.  

• How to Apply: https://ecoevo.rutgers.edu/application-process.html. 

• Application Deadline: December 1 

(2) Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences

• Program Overview: https://envsci.rutgers.edu/academics/envsci_grad/

• How to Apply: https://envsci.rutgers.edu/academics/envsci_grad/how-to-apply.html

• Application Deadline: December 15 

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.