Positions at EcoClimate AI Lab: The EcoClimate AI Lab in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston is seeking a fully funded Ph.D. student and a two-year Postdoctoral Scholar. Our lab focuses on how ecosystems respond to climate dynamics and disturbances, emphasizing the carbon-water-energy nexus, particularly in wetlands and forests.
Ph.D. Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Positions at EcoClimate AI Lab
Designation
- Position 1: Ph.D. Student (Fall 2026)
- Position 2: Postdoctoral Scholar (2-Year Research Position)
Table
| Position | Type | Duration | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. Student | Research | Until degree completion | Fall 2026 |
| Postdoctoral Scholar | Research | 2 Years (extendable) | No later than Fall 2026 |
Research Area
- Ecosystem dynamics relative to climate changes and disturbances (e.g., wildfire, flooding, land-use and land-cover change)
- Focus on wetlands and forests through the carbon-water-energy nexus
Location
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
Eligibility/Qualification
Ph.D. Student
- Strong intellectual curiosity and self-motivation for scientific research
- Proficiency in Python programming; familiarity with machine learning
- Interest in Earth and environmental sciences, atmospheric science, land-atmosphere interactions, ecosystem ecology, remote sensing, or GIS
- Must meet UH Graduate School admission requirements (including TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants)
Postdoctoral Scholar
- Strong programming skills or experience in field measurements (e.g., eddy covariance, chamber)
- Modeling skills (e.g., machine learning, process-based models) or experience with remote sensing and GIS
Job Description
The selected candidates will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary team, collaborating with partners at reputable institutions such as Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Stanford University, and UT Austin. The Ph.D. student will work on their research leading to a doctorate, while the Postdoctoral Scholar will engage in research projects related to ecosystem carbon, water, and energy cycles, along with extreme events and disturbance ecology.
The positions allow flexibility for researchers to shape project directions based on their interests and expertise.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email Dr. Kunxiaojia Yuan at kyuan@central.uh.edu with a single PDF containing the following:
- CV
- Transcript
- Cover letter (1–2 pages) detailing research experience, skills, and future interests
- Contact information for three references
Please indicate the applicant’s name and the position in the email subject line (e.g., [Your Name] – [PhD or Postdoc Application]).
Last Date for Apply
Applications received by November 9, 2025, will receive full consideration. Review will continue until the position is filled. Competitive applicants will then be guided through the formal application process via the University of Houston system.
