Earth systems research fellow

Earth Systems Modeling & Precipitation Extremes Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Posting Number: F-0986

College/Unit: College of Science and Engineering

Home Department: Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Employee Group: Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Employment Status: Full-Time

Position Type: 12 month

Position Classification: Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Position Begin Date: 10/01/2025

Position End Date: 09/30/2026

Position Summary:

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Central Michigan University is seeking a Earth System Modeling & Precipitation Extremes Postdoctoral Research Fellow. This position is a one-year appointment with the potential for renewal. The successful applicant will join a dynamic group investigating many aspects of climate resiliency and severe storms in the current and future climate.

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 hydrological hazards. The project aims to produce data and tools that will help communities plan for and become more resilient in collaboration with communities in three pilot watersheds in Michigan: the Chippewa River, Lower Grand River, and Rouge River. 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 Resiliency Center program, and will involve engagement of community partners to assess relevant data.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science or a closely related field (received within the last six years).

Experience 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 their 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.

Message to Applicants:

The position is available immediately but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. To apply for the position at Central Michigan University, applicants must upload a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references to You may contact Professor John Allen with questions at [email protected].

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.