Atmospheric and Land Modeling of Atmospheric Compositions
National University of Singapore
Biogeosciences (BG)
Hydrological Sciences (HS)
Job Description
Assitant Professor Dr. Mengze Li's lab at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the research group. The position focuses on the development and application of Earth System Models (ESMs) to study atmospheric compositions, land-atmosphere interactions, and the global carbon cycle.
The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant research team that integrates satellite remote sensing, field observations, and advanced numerical modeling. While the core mission involves modeling, the specific PhD topic is flexible and will be tailored to the candidate’s past experience and research motivation. Potential research themes include greenhouse gas quantification, transport and chemistry of atmospheric composition, urban air quality modeling, and the application of machine learning to atmospheric science.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- A Master’s or high-honors Bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Meteorology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences, or a related quantitative field.
- Experience with Earth System Models such as WRF or GEOS-Chem.
- Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, Fortran, R) and familiarity with Linux-based HPC environments.
- A strong interest in biogeochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, or climate modeling.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Experience of at least one research project that lasted longer than 6 months.
- Publications in Q1 journals are preferred (optional).
Application Procedure
- Fill out the Expression of Interest form by April 30, 2026 and explain what required skills are met: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoariNow0Kz2qhsYOtyT3BVfUgHuDktqaOZfHz1FQ1m-4fPA/viewform?usp=header. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion.
- After being shortlisted, you will need to prepare formal application documents including a Statement of Purpose and Research Proposal (approx. 1,500 words for the proposal). Detailed guidelines and document checklists are available at the NUS Geography application portal: https://fass.nus.edu.sg/geog/application/.
Funding and Benefits
The position is fully funded, providing a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend (starting at $3,000 Singapore dollars for international students, with increases post-Qualifying Exam).
About the Principal Investigator and NUS
Dr. Mengze Li is a tenure-track Assistant Professor whose research combines instrument development and modeling to address pressing environmental challenges. His background includes training at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Stanford University, and the University of Michigan.
The National University of Singapore is a global top-10 university (ranked 8th in QS 2026) and is recognized as the leading institution in Asia. The Department of Geography is a world leader in environmental research, providing an ideal setting for doctoral studies in tropical and global environmental change.