Postdoctoral Research Associate - Pan-Arctic Earth System Modeler

Requisition Id 14086 

Overview:

Are you interested in improving the ability of Earth system models to simulate energy, water, carbon, and biogeochemical cycles in the Arctic? The Next Generation Ecosystem Experiments in the Arctic (NGEE Arctic) project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has a position open now for a postdoctoral researcher with a background in multiscale modeling and model-data integration. The goal for this position is to apply knowledge gained over the past twelve years from multiple intensively studied field sites in Alaska to the development and evaluation of new land processes in an Earth system model at the pan-Arctic scale.

You will work as an integral part of the large and collaborative NGEE Arctic team and will play a critical role in integrating new Arctic ecosystem process knowledge into the DOE’s Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM). As the NGEE Arctic project moves into its fourth and final phase the science focus is on improved process representation at multiple spatial scales up to and including the pan-Arctic. Multiple process representations have already been developed and evaluated, independently, at site scales. In Phase 4 we will explore the integrated system behavior with all new process representations operating together. The processes being explored include:

• Improved representation of fractional inundated area under the influence of permafrost thaw in polygonal tundra
• Lateral water transport down hillslopes in regions of continuous and discontinuous permafrost
• Interactions among snow, vegetation, and permafrost during accumulation and melt periods
• New vegetation physiology parameterizations for arctic tundra plant types
• Dynamic tundra vegetation biogeography in response to changing climate
• Improved representation of soil biogeochemical processes in frequently inundated tundra ecosystems

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work with the multiscale modeling team to evaluate combinations of new model capability within the E3SM Land Model (ELM) at site, regional, and pan-Arctic scales
• Configure ELM simulations, perform simulations on high performance computing platforms, evaluate model results against multi-scale observational and experimental data
• Publish results of multi-scale model evaluation
• Work in close collaboration with other NGEE Arctic team members who are developing multi-scale data syntheses
• Deliver on ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD with training and research experience in Earth system modeling, or closely related training and research experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience programming in Fortran, C/C++, or similar language
• Experience with complex software systems and build environments. Experience with Unix-like operating systems
• Experience with high-performance computing environments
• Experience working with large model-generated multivariate datasets, especially with netCDF file formats and analysis tools
• Experience with model-data integration, including data aggregation for model evaluation and model configuration for comparison to observations
• Experience working with multi-model, multi-scale simulation environments
• Experience with creation of high-quality graphics for effective communication of research results

Special Requirements:

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 up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may 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

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Benefits:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

For questions about this position please contact Dr. Peter Thornton (thorntonpe@ornl.gov).

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

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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.