Opportunities

We are a team of scholars working towards understanding and predicting the impacts of global environmental changes on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being. Our lab values interdisciplinary collaboration, and we place a particular emphasis on using quantitative and modeling approaches to address global change questions. If you enjoy working with large datasets, have a keen interest in cutting-edge statistics and computer science, and are passionate about environmental research with real-world applications, our lab may be the perfect fit for you.

Located in the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, our lab is part of an exciting interdisciplinary community of researchers. The University of Michigan is globally recognized for its academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and the world.

Our lab is always looking for exceptional scholars to join us as postdoctoral fellows. If you’re interested in pursuing a postdoc opportunity, you’re encouraged to reach out to Dr. Zhu to discuss potential research projects and funding opportunities. At the University of Michigan, some current funding opportunities available to postdocs in our lab include the Institute for Global Change Biology Postdoctoral Fellowship, the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, the Michigan Society of Fellows, and the Michigan President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship. We also welcome applicants who have secured funding from other organizations such as the Department of Agriculture, Ford Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation, Nature Conservancy, Society for Conservation Biology, and others.

Dr. Zhu is currently accepting PhD students through the School for Environment and Sustainability Doctoral Program. To be considered, successful applicants must have previous relevant research experience, as well as math/statistics and programming skills. Eligible candidates should reach out to Dr. Zhu before the application deadline and provide the following information: (1) research experience, ideas, and questions, (2) motivations to pursue a PhD and long-term career goals, (3) reasons for your interest in the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, (4) your current CV, undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts, and (5) for international applicants, English test scores (e.g., TOEFL).

In the School for Environment and Sustainability, Dr. Zhu primarily advises Master of Science thesis students specializing in Geospatial Data Sciences and Ecosystem Science & Management. Motivated students should contact Dr. Zhu for thesis opportunities with (1) research interests and ideas, and (2) your current CV and undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

Opportunities are available for undergraduate students who are eager to gain research experience. If you are interested in exploring these opportunities, please contact Dr. Zhu with your (1) research interests and ideas, and (2) resume/CV and undergraduate transcript. Dr. Zhu is willing to discuss potential projects and help undergraduate students get involved in research.