Earth System Sciences Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Berkeley Labs; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 24 days per year

Sick leave and paid holidays

Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave

Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association and交流

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory seeks an Earth System Sciences Postdoctoral Fellow to advance hydrometeorological extremes research using E3SM and related tools. The role involves running simulations on high-performance computing systems, analyzing outputs, and contributing to interdisciplinary studies with scientists and stakeholders.

The fellow will co-mentor students when possible and engage in dissemination through conferences and peer‑reviewed journals, with a focus on land–atmosphere

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Hydrologic Science, Earth System Science, Physics, or related field.
• Experience in supercomputing environments and high-performance computing.
• Proficiency with Python, C++, and Bash/Shell scripting.
• Research experience in mountain hydrometeorology and land–atmosphere processes.
• Ability to set up and run Earth system model simulations (e.g., E3SM, CESM).

Responsibilities

• Run Earth system model simulations (e.g., E3SM) on HPC systems.
• Analyze model outputs to study hydrometeorological extremes and water cycle processes.
• Develop computational and data analysis methods for model evaluation.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and present results at conferences.

Skills

Python

C++

Bash/Shell

Earth system modeling

High-performance computing

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science or related field

Tools

NERSC Perlmutter

NWSC Derecho

E3SM

CESM

TempestExtremes

Job description

Earth System Sciences Postdoctoral Fellow

HyperFORMANCE aims to improve the accessibility and usability of hydrometeorological information for resource managers and flood planners, while CASCADE investigates the nature and predictability of hydrometeorological extremes affecting water‑energy systems.

This two-year position, with potential extension, will be split equally between the projects and involve interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists, statisticians, social scientists, and stakeholders. Candidates should have experience in Earth system modeling, high-performance computing, and data analysis, along with knowledge of water cycle processes and land‑atmosphere interactions. Experience in mountain hydrometeorology is particularly encouraged. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, and opportunities to co‑mentor students may be available.

The postdoctoral research will use DOE’s Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) and may involve one or more of the following topics:

Recreating storyline flood or extreme heat events and investigating their land‑atmosphere interactions

Exploring subseasonal‑to‑seasonal predictability of flood or extreme heat events

Performing perturbed parameter ensemble experiments on subgrid‑scale physics schemes that control mountainous water cycle processes

Developing and applying weather feature tracking algorithms on atmospheric rivers, extratropical cyclones, and their associated meso‑to‑local‑scale features (e.g., frontal rainbands)

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes! Why join Berkeley Lab?

• Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
• 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
• Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
• Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association , including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
• A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong

You will:

• Run Earth system model simulations (e.g., E3SM) on high-performance computing systems.
• Analyze model outputs and datasets to investigate hydrometeorological extremes, water cycle processes, and land‑atmosphere interactions.
• Develop and apply computational, statistical, and data analysis methods to evaluate model simulations and investigate Earth system processes.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to advance project objectives and contribute to scientific findings.
• Present research results at national or international conferences.
• Effectively communicate research results in peer‑reviewed journals.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Co‑producing science with water‑energy resource managers or flood planners.
• Ethical application of artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques to accelerate scientific workflows.

We are looking for:

• A Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Hydrologic Science, Earth System Science, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated proficiency working in a supercomputing environment (e.g., NERSC Perlmutter or NWSC Derecho).
• Demonstrated proficiency with programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, and Bash/Shell scripting).
• Demonstrated research experience in mountainous water cycle and land‑atmosphere processes.
• Demonstrated ability to set up and run Earth system model simulations (e.g., E3SM and CESM).
• Excellent oral and written research communication skills to communicate with both academics and non‑academics.
• Ability to manage one’s time with short‑and long‑term personal and project research goals in mind.
• Ability to work effectively in a large and integrated team, including respect for others’ research contributions and diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Understanding of subseasonal‑to‑seasonal or seasonal‑to‑decadal prediction literature and experimental setup.
• Working knowledge and application of weather feature tracking algorithms (e.g., TempestExtremes).
• Demonstrated ability to use advanced statistical analysis techniques and observations, observationally constrained gridded products, reanalysis datasets, and theory to validate Earth system model simulations.

Additional information:

Appointment type: This is a full‑time 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post‑degree.

Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,790 - $9,234 and is expected to start at $6,790 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post‑Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.

Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information, click here ).

Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here