Postdoctoral Researcher (Water Quality & Ecosystem Modeling)
Soyoung Park
Postdoctoral Researcher (Water Quality & Ecosystem Modeling)
Han River Estuary–Gyeonggi Bay, Korea | FVCOM–FABM–ERSEM | Observation–Model Integration
Marine Prediction Laboratory (MPL)
Department of Ocean Sciences, Inha University — Incheon, Republic of
Korea
Start date: Flexible | Term: [1–2 years], renewable
Salary: Negotiable (commensurate with experience)
Application review: Rolling until filled
Who are we?
The Marine Prediction Laboratory (MPL) in the Department of Ocean Sciences at Inha University is a long-standing, high-performing research group dedicated to understanding and predicting environmental changes in coastal and estuarine systems. Over the past two decades, MPL has built deep expertise at the intersection of physical oceanography and coastal/ocean engineering, with a strong track record of delivering results that connect fundamental science with real-world coastal challenges.
Our research has addressed a wide range of coastal drivers and responses, including environmental change driven by sluice-gate discharge, freshwater–seawater interactions, impacts of extensive tidal flats, and the causes and monitoring of seabed topography changes through regular surveys. These efforts have formed a robust foundation for the next step: integrating physics with water quality and ecosystem dynamics through advanced coupled modeling.
MPL is also a large, well-supported research environment. The lab is currently running 10+ active projects and includes approximately 40 members, spanning faculty leadership, postdoctoral researchers, PhD/MS students, professional researchers, and dedicated technical staff. This scale ensures strong day-to-day momentum, rapid troubleshooting, and a collaborative culture that makes ambitious modeling and observational work feasible.
What is this position about?
We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to lead and accelerate water quality and ecosystem modeling in the Han River Estuary and Gyeonggi Bay, a coastal region experiencing multiple interacting pressures. The position will contribute to projects directly linked to:
- Eutrophication and water quality deterioration
- Ecosystem stressors related to declines in blue crab and broader ecological change
- Pollution dispersal associated with Gyeongin Ara Waterway outflow events
- Microplastics pathways and associated water-quality degradation in the estuary and adjacent coastal waters
A central pillar of the work is the implementation and scientific use of a coupled modeling framework developed through collaboration with ECNU (East China Normal University). MPL holds the FVCOM–FABM–ERSEM system and ongoing collaboration pathways to support code-level and scientific progress.
The postdoc will also contribute to a Sea Grant–related project, where the scientific core is water quality–ecosystem modeling, and where model outputs are expected to support both publications and actionable project deliverables.
Why MPL is an exceptional place to do this work
This position is designed for a researcher who wants to move fast and publish with strong support. MPL offers a rare combination of resources and networks:
- Six supercomputer-class cluster systems enabling large ensembles and scenario-driven simulations
- A dedicated observation team and high-end instruments including research vessels, ADCP, CTD, multibeam, and more
- Strong international research connectivity, including direct links to University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMassD) and Prof. Changsheng Chen (FVCOM development community) and active collaboration with ECNU
- Connections to major Korean national marine research institutes, plus partner links with Universities of Hawaii and University of Guam
- Full support for the research resources needed to succeed in modeling-centered projects
- Conference and professional activity travel support
In addition, publication incentives are available for accepted peer-reviewed papers (details provided during offer/contract stage).
What will your mission be?
Your main objective is to establish a robust, reproducible modeling pipeline and deliver publication-driven scientific outcomes. You will:
- Configure, optimize, and apply FVCOM–FABM–ERSEM for the Han River Estuary–Gyeonggi Bay region (setup, forcing, boundary conditions, calibration/validation, scenario design)
- Integrate and interpret model results with high-quality field observations supported by MPL’s dedicated observational team
- Lead/co-lead peer-reviewed publications as a primary outcome of the appointment
- Produce reusable workflows, documentation, and datasets that strengthen MPL’s long-term modeling capacity
Who are we looking for?
We welcome applications from candidates who are eager to build high-impact modeling studies supported by a proven, large-scale coastal research environment.
Required qualifications
- PhD (or near completion) in oceanography, marine science, environmental engineering, coastal engineering, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience in water quality / biogeochemical / ecosystem modeling (marine or estuarine environments preferred)
- Strong quantitative and programming skills (e.g., Python/MATLAB; additional model workflow languages as needed)
- Ability to write and communicate research clearly for international peer-reviewed journals
Preferred (not required)
- Experience with FVCOM, FABM, ERSEM, or comparable coupled modeling systems
- Experience in calibration/validation, sensitivity analysis, scenario design, or uncertainty-aware modeling
- Familiarity with coastal/estuarine observation datasets (ADCP/CTD and water-quality variables)
How to apply
Please email a single PDF to [kaon...@gmail.com]
with the subject line:
“Postdoc Application – Water Quality & Ecosystem Modeling – [Your Name]”
Include:
- CV (including publication list)
- Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing research fit and relevant modeling experience
- Contact information for 2–3 referees
- (Optional) 1–2 representative papers or a preprint
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.