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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Earth Systems Modeling and Quantitative Analysis

Overview: 
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.
 
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Earth Systems Modeling Group in the Environmental Sciences Division (ESD), Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate (BESS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to develop next-generation terrestrial ecosystem schemes within Earth system models, and detect and attribute changes of carbon, water and vegetation dynamics using observations, model simulations and advanced statistical methods. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong multidisciplinary expertise and modeling and statistical skills.
 
ESD is an interdisciplinary research and development organization with more than 60 years of achievements in local, national, and international environmental research. Our vision is to expand scientific knowledge and develop innovative strategies and technologies to help sustain the Earth’s natural resources.
 
Major Duties/Responsibilities: 
  • Evaluate and improve parameterizations (e.g., phenology, photosynthesis, wildfire) in the land model in DOE’s Energy Exascale Earth System Model using observational and experimental data, especially these from the SPRUCE project (https://mnspruce.ornl.gov/)
  • Synthesize observations and analyze multi-model simulations at the SPRUCE site to understand boreal ecosystem responses to warming and elevated CO2 concentration
  • Investigate the responses of terrestrial carbon, water and vegetation growth to multiple natural and anthropogenic factors across broad spatial scales using factorial model simulations and detection and attribution methods
  • Work closely with highly skilled interdisciplinary teams across the multi-institution DOE-funded projects, and is expected to publish high-profile research papers
 
Basic Qualifications:
  • A PhD in Ecology, Earth System Science, Climate, Geography, Hydrology or a related field completed within the last 5 years
  • Experience in land or climate model development, evaluation, and/or analysis
 
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous research experience with the development of terrestrial ecosystem models (e.g., ELM, CLM, FATES), and with the analysis of ensemble model simulations (e.g., CMIP6, TRENDY, C4MIP, LS3MIP)
  • Knowledge of land surface processes and land-climate feedbacks and their representation in Earth system models
  • Knowledge of methods and tools to benchmark models using a diverse range of observations
  • Programming experience in Fortran, C/C++, Python or R
  • Experience with high-performance computing environments
  • Statistical experience in detection and attribution and/or machine learning
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
 
Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.
 
Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:
  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document
 
Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.
 
Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.
 
 
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.