Position Type:Other Academic
Department:LSUAM ORED - CCT - Water Resources and Coastal Engineering (Chris Kees (00066175))
Work Location:2011 Digital Media Center
Pay Grade:Other Academic
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to advance numerical modeling of marsh and mangrove ecosystems using existing simulation frameworks including NUMAR, NUMAN, and FORMAN. The position focuses on evaluating ecosystem design performance across diverse environmental settings such as deltas, estuaries, and lagoons under conditions of sea level rise, subsidence, disturbance, and sediment dynamics.
Job Responsibilities:
Develop and advance numerical modeling frameworks for marsh and mangrove ecosystems using NUMAR, NUMAN, and FORMAN to evaluate ecosystem stability, resilience, and restoration performance under varying environmental conditions including sea level rise, subsidence, disturbance, and sediment deposition. (40%)
Integrate ecosystem, geomorphic, and hydrodynamic models across unit and landscape scales to assess restoration and ecosystem design alternatives such as marsh construction, hydrologic restoration, river diversions, sediment augmentation, and mangrove restoration for long-term coastal resilience and flood mitigation. (25%)
Refine and expand model capabilities by incorporating mangrove forest structure, root dynamics, drag coefficient estimation, and integration with storm surge and wave models such as ADCIRC and XBeach to improve predictions of ecosystem-based flood protection performance. (20%)
Prepare peer-reviewed publications, develop competitive research proposals, participate in interdisciplinary collaborations, and contribute to research project management and integrated modeling initiatives supporting coastal restoration and resilience planning. (10%)
Other duties as assigned. (5%)
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Coastal Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D in Coastal Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, or a related field and experience with numerical modeling of ecological, hydrodynamic, geomorphic, or coastal systems.
Demonstrated experience with model development, calibration, and validation.
Additional Job Description:Special Instructions:Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.
Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.
A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.
Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).
For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [email protected].
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Dr. Chris Kees at [email protected].
Skills Needed:
Preferred Skills:
Posting Date:June 16, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):October 14, 2026
Additional Position Information:
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Essential Position (Y/N):
LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
HCM Contact Information:
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [email protected]. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.
Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Coastal Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, or related field
- Valid U.S. work authorization at time of hire and maintained throughout employment
- Experience with numerical modeling of ecological, hydrodynamic, geomorphic, or coastal systems
- Demonstrated experience with model development, calibration, and validation
What We Do
LSU is the flagship institution of Louisiana and is one of only 30 universities nationwide holding land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant status. Since 1860, LSU has served its region, the nation, and the world through extensive, multipurpose programs encompassing instruction, research, and public service. The university brings in more than $150 million annually in outside research grants and contracts, a significant factor for the Louisiana economy
