About the role
Position Summary
The Lark Lab at Michigan State University seeks a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in satellite remote sensing and spatial analysis to study agricultural land management in the United States. The researcher will contribute as a core team member to projects investigating grassland management, use, and biomass harvest regimes, along with other remote sensing and spatial analyses of grasslands, abandoned croplands, and conservation lands across the U.S. The work will directly inform policymaking and national strategies to advance conservation, improve land management, and enhance ecosystem services outcomes.
The researcher will also have ample opportunity to collaborate on complementary projects focused on mapping, modeling, and advancing agricultural conservation practices, bioenergy solutions, and land-based climate mitigation.
Job Responsibilities
The researcher will map and assess current and historic grassland management and harvest practices, using large amounts of geospatial training data to effectively classify grazing, haying, and other grassland management regimes on U.S. agricultural lands. The researcher will also work closely with colleagues at other institutions including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and several universities to improve upon existing remotely sensed data, develop new methods for detection of land management practices, and apply the developed products to conservation and policy-relevant research questions. The study area is the conterminous United States with additional emphasis on the Midwest region, and work can include field data collection to support the analysis, if interested.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Geography, agricultural economics, environmental science/sustainability, environmental policy, agronomy, or a related field
Minimum Requirements
Ph.D. in Geography, agricultural economics, environmental science/sustainability, environmental policy, agronomy, or a related field
Desired Qualifications
- Strong skills in satellite remote sensing, GIS, and statistical analysis.
- Experience using cloud-based computing resources (e.g. Google Earth Engine) for image classification and large-scale data processing
- Familiarity with concepts, modeling, or datasets related to U.S. agricultural management, grassland/rangeland ecology, and/or environmental impacts of agroecosystems
Required Application Materials
- Cover Letter
- CV
- Name and Contact information for Three (3) Professional References
Special Instructions
For inquiries about the position please contact Dr. Tyler Lark (larktyle@msu.edu)
Review of Applications Begins On
11/01/2026
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.