We are hiring PhDs and Postdocs!
The ECosystem Analytics and Intelligence (ECAI) lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is seeking Ph.D. research assistants and postdoctoral associates to join our team in advancing hybrid AI modeling for agriculture and ecosystem sciences! Funded by NSF, NASA, DOE, USDA, and industry partners, our lab spans the spectrum of ecosystem AI and process-based modeling, data–model fusion, and cross-scale sensing. We are dedicated to advancing science and technology to support global food security and environmental sustainability.
Candidates will apply knowledge-guided machine learning (KGML) techniques to enhance the monitoring of carbon–water–nutrient cycles in agricultural and natural ecosystems. This work involves integrating multi-modal data (remote sensing, EC flux towers, chamber measurements, soil sampling, genomics, etc.), biogeochemical and physical process-based models, advanced AI algorithms, and atmospheric inversions. Research topics include: Developing and implementing KGML frameworks to refine U.S. cropland carbon budget estimates and improve process understanding to optimize management strategies; Reducing uncertainties in estimating global GHG (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) through KGML and harmonized cross-scale observations; Developing AI-ready benchmark datasets and open-source software to accelerate AI algorithm development and application in Earth system modeling; AND pursuing additional research topics of mutual interest aligned with the lab’s overarching goals.
The position will be primarily supervised by the Assistant Professor Dr. Licheng Liu, through the Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE), and will work closely with diverse collaborators, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), AI4NM working group, and beyond.
All applicants are expected to have a strong quantitative background (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree for Ph.D. applicants, and Ph.D. degree for postdoc applicants), such as earth and atmospheric science, computer science, hydrology, ecology, environmental science, physics, math, statistics, or other closely related fields. A Ph.D. applicant should also meet the UW-Madison BSE admission requirements. Successful candidates should demonstrate one or more of the following:
● Strong programming experience (e.g., Python, Fortran, C++) and familiarity with supercomputing or cloud platforms.
● Experience with advanced AI/deep learning, particularly in scientific AI development/application.
● Knowledge of process-based models and data assimilation techniques.
● Excellent data visualization and communication skills.
● Experience in large-scale ecosystem modeling or GHG analysis.
● Ph.D. position: can start from spring or fall; funding commitment for 4 years.
● Postdoctoral positions: expected start within 3 months; funding commitment for 2 years, renewable or promotable upon annual performance.
● Positions remain open until filled.
Qualified candidates should send (1) CV, (2) cover letter (1~2 pages), (3) latest transcripts, and (4) contact information of three references to Dr. Licheng Liu (licheng.liu@wisc.edu) for full consideration.
● Email subject line: [Name] + [Ph.D./Postdoc Application] (e.g., Jane Doe – Ph.D. Application).
● Selection process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview; successful candidates will then be guided to complete the formal application through the UW-Madison system.