Atmospheric Sciences - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California, invites applications for an Atmospheric Sciences Postdoctoral Researcher. The role will study how land-use decisions influence dust emissions, water vapor fluxes, and surface ozone, focusing on California's Central Valley, using E3SM, ACE-ERA5, ACE-E3SM, and ERF models.

Under senior scientist guidance, you will analyze regional Earth system data, pursue independent research, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications

• PhD in Atmospheric Sciences or related field.
• Experience with Earth system models (ESMs) and land surface processes.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and visualization.
• Experience publishing peer-reviewed research.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate short- and long-term weather scenarios representing land-use impacts.
• Run model simulations and analyze observational and model data.
• Diagnose and reduce model biases using ground-based and satellite observations and ML.
• Contribute to planning, design, and execution of land-atmosphere-water-human systems research.
• Pursue independent, complementary research and collaborate with internal and external scientists.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

PhD in Atmospheric Sciences

Python

Earth system models

Machine learning

C++/Fortran

Communication

Modeling

Education

PhD in Atmospheric Sciences or related field

Tools

E3SM

ERF

ACE-ERA5

ACE-E3SM

Job description

Atmospheric Sciences - Postdoctoral Researcher

Entry Level | Full-time
Postdoctoral/Fellowship | Livermore, CA | 08/27/2026
Reference #: REF8752I
Job Code: PDS.1 Post-Dr Research Staff 1
Organization: Physical and Life Sciences
Position Type: Post Doctoral
Security Clearance: None/Position does not require US citizenship (assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation)
Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have an opening for an Atmospheric Science-Postdoctoral Researcher to study how land-use decisions influence dust emissions, water vapor fluxes, and surface ozone, with implications for water availability, photovoltaic generation, human health, and agriculture. The research will primarily focus on California's Central Valley.

The study will draw on a hierarchy of modeling approaches, including the ultra-high-resolution Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM), the machine learning emulators ACE-ERA5 and ACE-E3SM, and the regional Energy Research and Forecasting (ERF) model. The work will entail analysis of a variety of regional Earth system data products, including observational and model products.

Under the guidance of senior scientists, you will contribute to research that evaluates how land-use decisions affect regional land-atmosphere interactions and related impacts.

This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.

This position is in the Atmospheric, Earth, and Energy Division which is part of the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

In this role, you will

• Conduct research to develop and evaluateshort-term and long-term weather scenarios representing potential land-use impacts.
• Perform model simulations and analyze observational data and model output
• Diagnose and help characterize and reducemodel biases using ground-based and satellite observations and machine learning
• Contribute to research planning, design, and execution related to land-atmosphere-water-human systems
• Pursue independent,complementaryresearch interests that support the project objectives, and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences seminars and/or technical meetings
• Travel as required to coordinate research with collaborators
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Atmospheric Sciences or a related field.
• Experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas: Earth system models (ESMs), atmospheric chemistry and aerosols, machine learning for Earth system modeling, land surface processes
• Experience developing independent research projects, including publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficiency in Python for analysis and visualization of Earth system data
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Effective initiative and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience with E3SM, ERF, or comparable global or regional Earth system models.
• Experience with machine-learning methods or emulators applied to weather, climate, or Earth system applications.
• Proficiency in at compiled modeling language such as C++ or Fortran.
• Familiarity with land-use, water, energy, air-quality, agricultural, or human-system applications of Earth system research.
• Experience engaging with research collaborators, stakeholders, or practitioners to support actionable science.

Pay Range

$123,048 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

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