Postdoctoral Researcher, Ecosystem Ecology and Watershed Modeling

Posting Number: EX

Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher, Ecosystem Ecology and Watershed Modeling

Number of Vacancies: 1

About Murray State: Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike.

Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits: Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment: Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment: Regular Full-Time

Work Location: Murray, KY

Employment Term: 12 Months

Position Type: Staff - Exempt (Monthly)

Department: Watershed Studies Institute

Summary of

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Full-time, two-year position beginning January 2027. A renewal for a third year is possible. A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in the Watershed Studies Institute (WSI) and the Department of Biological Sciences at Murray State University. The Moon Lab seeks a highly motivated researcher to integrate empirical greenhouse gas flux measurements with watershed modeling to quantify coupled carbon and nitrogen dynamics.

Modeling efforts will initially focus on bottom land hardwood forests but may extend to other systems. The postdoctoral researcher will lead the development of modeling protocols for student researchers, develop a methane sub-model, and mentor undergraduate and master’s-level graduate students in modeling and ecosystem lab and field studies. The postdoctoral researcher will also teach one course per semester in biology. Murray, Kentucky, is uniquely situated near numerous natural areas, including the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky Lake Reservoir, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, and multiple Wildlife Management Areas and state nature preserves.

Murray State University also maintains substantial research infrastructure through WSI, including the Hancock Biological Station, the Mapping Applications Resource Center, and the Chemical Services Laboratory.

Minimum

Education Requirements:

Ph.D. in ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental science, or a closely related field. ABDs with a documented plan of completion by appointment date will be considered.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the expectation of publishing peer-reviewed research, contributing to grant development, and engaging with regional stakeholders is required.

Preferred

Education and/or Experience

Qualifications:

Previous modeling experience is preferred. Candidates with strong quantitative skills interested in ecological modeling are encouraged to apply. Experience with microbial ecology in biogeochemical applications, is also considered a plus.

Hourly Rate/Annual Salary: $46,148 (Additional pay dependent upon qualifications)

Staff Grade: 112

Posting Date: 07/21/2026

Closing Date: 08/21/2026

Open Until Filled: No