MIT

MIT; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

MIT is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in the Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy to collaborate with climate scientists, mathematicians, economists, and software engineers to develop flexible model architectures using Earth system models and fast-running emulators.

The role involves working closely with the MIT Climate Project to demonstrate near-term impacts on coastal resilience planning. One-year position with potential extension; rapid interdisciplinary collaboration is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD by date of hire in applied mathematics, atmospheric/ocean sciences, CS, engineering, physics, statistics, or related field
• Experience with decision-making applications and/or integrated modeling
• Experience with programming in at least one general-purpose language (preferably Julia) and parallel computing
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to conduct independent research
• Ability to work in team-oriented interdisciplinary environments; deliver results and adapt to change
• Expertise in developing emulators or model builders for Earth systems or human systems

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and use new efficient and flexible model architectures involving Earth system models and fast-running model emulators
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of climate scientists, mathematicians, economists, and software engineers
• Demonstrate near-term impacts in coastal resilience planning through the MIT Climate Project

Skills

Julia programming

Parallel computing

Strong mathematical background

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in applied mathematics or related field

Job description

Posting Description

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy, will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of climate scientists, mathematicians, economists, and software engineers to develop, validate, and use new efficient and flexible model architectures involving Earth system models and fast-running model emulators; and be expected to work closely with the MIT Climate Project, with the aim of demonstrating near-term impacts in efforts to address climate challenges.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: Ph.D. in applied mathematics, atmospheric or oceanic sciences, computer science, engineering, physics, statistics, or a related field by the date of hire; strong physical, mathematical, and computational background; experience with decision-making applications and/or integrated modeling; experience with programming in at least one general-purpose language (preferably Julia) and parallel computing; demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills; self-motivation with and demonstrated ability to conduct independent research; strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills; and ability to deliver results, adapt to change, work on research proposals, and work in team-oriented interdisciplinary environments; and expertise in one or more of the following areas: Advancing computational techniques, including developing emulators of climate and/or human systems models; developing, implementing, and testing a new model “builder” that can provide a platform for integrating emulators of Earth systems and human systems; and applying model emulators to provide actionable information to advance coastal resilience planning.

Required Documents

• Cover letter specifying relevant qualifications, current research interests, and expertise
• Curriculum vitae
• One peer-reviewed publication
• Three recommendation letters

For more information about the position, please contact Prof. Raffaele Ferrari and Prof. Noelle Selin at [e-mail].

This is a one-year position with a possibility of extension.

Revised 06/23/2026