Postdoctoral Research Associate - Engineering

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis invites a postdoctoral researcher to leverage satellite data and a chemical transport model to emulate CTM processes and predict ground-level air quality across the United States.

You will work under mentors, contribute to grant proposals, and gain teaching opportunities through guest lectures and writing center support. The role emphasizes strong programming and ML applications in geoscience, with collaborations across a research team and opportunities to

Qualifications

• PhD in atmospheric science, environmental engineering, earth observation, or related field.
• Strong programming skills and ML experience in geoscience.
• Experience disseminating findings via publications/presentations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and fine-tune models that emulate CTM processes.
• Analyze satellite retrievals, emissions, and meteorology datasets.
• Contribute to grant proposals and host lectures as needed.
• Collaborate with mentors and research team.

Skills

Programming

ML in geoscience

Research skills

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Python

Geospatial tools

CTM

Job description

Location

ST. LOUIS, MO 63130

Position Summary

The postdoc will be anticipated to leverage satellite retrievals of atmospheric composition, emissions and meteorology datasets, and a chemical transport model (CTM). These geospatial inputs and information will be used to fine-tune a NASA foundation model (Prithvi WxC) to emulate CTM processes, and to predict ground-level air quality data (e.g., PM2.5, NO2, and SO2) over the United Sates for electric utility air permitting.

The postdoc will have various opportunities for professional development, including contributing to and leading grant proposal development (e.g., external postdoctoral fellowships) under the guidance of both mentors. Additional opportunities include delivering guest lectures to strengthen teaching experience, and receiving mentorship in preparing academia and industry job applications, and additional professional tutoring services from the Writing Center and Communication Center at WashU.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Education

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Certifications/Professional Licenses

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills

Not Applicable

Driver's License

A driver's license is not required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

More About This Job

• PhD in a relevant subject, including but not limited to, atmospheric science, environmental engineering, earth observation, and computer science.
• Strong programming skills and experience with machine learning applications in geoscience are highly desirable.
• Experience of disseminating findings through publications and presentations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a research team.

Education

Preferred Qualifications

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills

Not Applicable

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.