Students and postdocs in the Meng Lab gain experience at the interface of ecology, global change science, and human-environment research, working on projects that span from local urban ecosystems to global land–atmosphere interactions. Prospective students and postdocs are encouraged to:
1. Explore this site for more information about the group
2. Review recent publications listed under the Publications
3. Visit the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences admission website
These are exciting opportunities to be a part of a fast-evolving and active research field, with significant potential for high-impact publication and visibility of your research. The Meng Lab is committed to strong student mentoring, career and professional development, and recruitment of diverse candidates, especially from underrepresented groups. Prospective students and postdocs should reach out to Dr. Meng to inquire about available opportunities.
PhD Positions: Vegetation Remote Sensing
We will recruit a new graduate student for Fall 2027!
The Meng Lab in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Vanderbilt University is seeking one fully funded Ph.D. student interested in vegetation remote sensing, urban ecology, and environmental change. The student will have opportunities to work with NASA satellite observations, geospatial analysis, and AI/ML approaches to investigate how urban environmental factors, including warming, light pollution, and air pollution, influence vegetation dynamics, ecosystem processes, and environmental exposures relevant to human health.
Specific research topics will be developed collaboratively by Dr. Meng and the student. Our program is Ph.D.-focused; we do not offer stand-alone Master’s degrees. The anticipated starting date is Fall 2027.
Qualifications: strong quantitative programming skills and solid background in urban ecology, vegetation remote sensing, and land surface processes. Proficiency in spoken/written English.
Application: The Fall application deadline for the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) program is January 1. Please visit the departmental webpage for admission requirements and application process. If you are interested in applying, please send me an email (lin.meng@vanderbilt.edu) with your CV, research interests, and career goals.
Contact: Dr. Lin Meng, lin.meng@vanderbilt.edu
Prospective Postdocs
Prospective postdocs are encouraged to contact Dr. Meng to discuss potential projects and funding opportunities. Candidates considering external fellowships may find the following especially relevant to our work:
NOAA Climate & Global Change Postdoctoral Fellowship
National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB)
David H. Smith Postdoctoral Conservation Research Fellowship
Other resources: