2 PhD positions in deltaic eco-morphodynamic modeling at LSU

[m.bruec...@gmail.com]

Dear coast-enthusiasts,

I am looking for two excited students interested in pursuing a PhD studying and modeling the gorgeous marshes of Louisiana. Please share widely!

2 PhD Positions in Civil & Environmental Engineering: Eco-Morphodynamic Modeling and Data-Driven Techniques

My lab is seeking two highly motivated and talented individuals to join the research team as a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Louisiana State University, specializing in eco-morphodynamic modeling. The project will focus on studying vegetation establishment and resilience in the face of climate change, using computational techniques to model the interactions between hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and vegetation in coastal and deltaic systems.

Position Overview: The primary focus of the positions will be on computational modeling, with opportunities to integrate field data analysis and machine learning methods. The project will involve simulating eco-morphodynamic processes, with particular attention to the role of vegetation in sediment transport and system evolution under changing climatic conditions, and as a solution in nature-based engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement numerical models to simulate hydrodynamic, sediment transport, and vegetation processes.
• Explore and integrate data-driven modeling approaches, such as machine learning, to enhance predictive capabilities.
• Analyze field data related to biophysical processes, potentially including remote sensing or sensor-based data collection.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team, contributing to scientific publications and presentations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geophysics, Oceanography, or a related field.
• Strong background in hydrodynamics and sediment transport processes.
• Experience with numerical modeling tools (e.g., Delft3D, TELEMAC, or other computational frameworks).
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages for data processing and model development.
• Familiarity with coastal biophysical processes is highly desirable.
• Experience with machine learning and data analysis is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently.

Start Date: Summer or Fall 2025

Application Requirements:

• Cover letter describing your research interests and qualifications.
• CV/Resume.
• Contact information for two academic references.

Deadline to Apply: November 15

How to Apply: Please submit your application to mbru...@lsu.edu with the subject line "PhD Position - Eco-Morphodynamic Modeling".

I look forward to receiving your applications!