Postdoctoral Associate

Our team is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate with experience using mechanistic biogeochemical models in wetland research to lead a simulation project on the coast of Louisiana. The simulation will leverage a unique set of field observations to predict the effects of acute saltwater intrusion on greenhouse gas fluxes from freshwater wetlands. We aim to advance knowledge on the structural and functional resilience of coastal wetlands in urban and industrial settings. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of DOE’s Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM), specifically within the E3SM Land Model (ELM). However, candidates with strong related experience and a desire to learn will be considered, as this project offers the opportunity to build some of the skills needed for the modeling tasks. This is a full-time position, extendible for at least six more months. Arrangements for remote work are possible.

The Wetland Ecosystems Science Lab (https://www.wetlandsciencelab.org/), where this position will be based, offers an inclusive lab culture that supports the success and career development of all members through funded workshops, opportunities to attend conferences, guided mentorship in preparing and submitting publications, and support for writing grant proposals and future job applications.

Responsibilities:

• Synthesize experimental data collected in the development of the project.
• Parameterize and run a recently developed version of ELM that represents wetlands at ecohydrological patch levels (https://doi.org/10.1029/2024MS004396 ) and prepare a technical manuscript with the results.
• Manage the Project’s GitHub.
• It is also expected that the Postdoctoral Associate will participate in GRA mentoring as part of the training component of the position.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in either Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Climate Science, Ecology, or a related field
• OR a Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience demonstrated through presentations and publications in either of the fields mentioned above will substitute for the Master’s degree.
• ABD candidates are welcome.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. by January 1.
• Strong background in process-based modeling of wetland ecosystems, particularly the C cycle.
• Experience with land surface or Earth system models.

Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, Fortran, or C++) and use of high-performance computing, or at least a desire to learn and develop skills to meet the needs of the project.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals and work collaboratively in a research team.