Air Quality Research Lab at WSU

Postdoc Opportunity

My group is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Regional Air Quality Modeling and Forecasting. The postdoc scientist will lead the development of AIRPACT, our WRF–SMOKE–CMAQ-based forecast system for the PNW, supporting air quality management and public health decisions in a region facing more frequent and severe wildfire smoke. Ideal candidates have experience with 3D chemical transport models (CMAQ, WRF-Chem, GEOS-Chem, etc.), HPC/Linux environments, and strong programming skills.

Apply by September 30, 2026: here

Ph.D. Opportunity

I may accept 1-2 Ph.D. students to join my research group at Washington State University (WSU) starting in Fall 2027. More information will be available in October 2026.

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I am seeking 1–2 Ph.D. students to join my research group at Washington State University (WSU) starting in Fall 2026. Interested applicants should complete this Google Form before submitting their official application. Successful candidates will work on research projects advancing air quality modeling and forecasting, with a particular focus on wildfire smoke modeling. Information about my research interests and current projects can be found on our research group page. Strong applicants will be contacted to schedule a Zoom interview.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with coding (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and Linux command-line environments
Background in environmental science, atmospheric science/chemistry, or computer science/ML
Coursework or research experience related to these fields
Experience with chemical transport models (e.g., GEOS-Chem, CMAQ) is preferred but not required

If you are unable to access the Google Form, please email me at jun.meng [at] wsu.edu with the subject line “Prospective Student - ”.

Application Details:
Formal applications must be submitted through the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at WSU. The deadline for Fall 2026 admission is January 10, 2026.

For information on how to apply, please visit this page.

Other Opportunities

Postdoctoral & Visiting Scholars

Pullman, WA (an amazing college town) is an ideal place for young families, offering affordability, nature, and a safe community!

We anticipate having a postdoctoral opening in either July or October 2026. The project would be related to air quality and wildfire smoke modeling, ideally air quality forecasting. Having experiences with Machine Learning would be a bonus! Please contact Dr. Meng for more information if you are interested.

In addition, we are eager to collaborate on project ideas and apply for funding (fellowship) together. If you're interested in jointly pursuing fellowship funding, please get in touch!

For potential visiting positions with self-support funding, please contact Dr. Meng for potential visit and collaboration.

Graduate Students

We are always interested in recruiting motivated graduate students. Anyone interested in joining the Air Quality Research Lab should contact Dr. Meng by email. Please include your CV and a brief statement that addresses your background, research interests, and long-term goals.

For more information about the Civil & Environmental Engineering department at WSU, please visit the following websites:

CEE (general): https://ce.wsu.edu
MS Thesis: https://ce.wsu.edu/graduate/ms-thesis/
MS Non-Thesis: https://ce.wsu.edu/graduate/ms-non-thesis/
PhD in Civil Engineering: https://ce.wsu.edu/graduate/doctor-of-philosophy/
PhD in Engineering Science: https://gradschool.wsu.edu/degrees/doctor-of-philosophy-engineering-science/
Application: https://ce.wsu.edu/graduate/application/

Funding for Graduate Students in my group:

Assistantships from the CEE Department (TA or RA)
Assistantships (RA) from Dr. Meng's startup fund
Assistantships (RA) from external funding (e.g. NW-AIRQUEST contract)

Graduate Student Fellowships: (Dr. Meng is always happy to provide feedback on fellowship proposals)

PNNL-WSU Distinguished Graduate Research Program
NASA FINESST Program
NOAA Weather Program Office (WPO) Innovation for Next Generation Scientists Dissertation Fellowship (WINGS)
NSF Graduate Student Fellowship (GRFP) - for senior undergraduate students and first year graduate students

Undergraduate Students

Actively recruiting undergraduate students for school terms or summer terms. Example projects could be air quality model output analyzing, trend analysis, and other technical skill development. Dr. Meng strongly supports senior undergraduate students to write graduate fellowship applications. Please contact Dr. Meng for more information.