Postdoctoral Research Associate - Peatland Modeling

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle’s ORNL invites a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Earth Systems Modeling Group, focusing on the terrestrial ecosystem component of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model. You will advance nutrient cycling representations, work with field data and AI/ML tools, and collaborate across DOE networks to benchmark and improve model predictions.

The role offers opportunities at the interface of model development, observational synthesis, and emerging data-science methods, with

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Earth sciences, environmental sciences, atmospheric sciences, or a closely related field, either completed or near completion.
• Experience in ecological modelling and/or Land Surface Modelling.
• Knowledge and experience working in HPC environments.
• Programming experience in Fortran, Python or R.
• Experience handling and analyzing large observation data or model outputs.
• Knowledge of terrestrial biogeochemistry and nutrient-cycling processes.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and test nutrient cycling representations within ELM and ELM-Peatlands.
• Evaluate model performance against SPRUCE, AmeriFlux, and other data.
• Compile and synthesize multi-source observational datasets for benchmarking.
• Explore AI/ML approaches to improve nutrient cycling and reduce uncertainty.
• Collaborate with ecologists, biogeochemists, modelers, and data scientists.
• Present findings at conferences and prepare manuscripts.

Skills

Ecological modelling

Land Surface Modelling

HPC experience

Fortran/Python/R

Large datasets

Terrestrial biogeochemistry

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Earth/Environmental/Atmospheric sciences or related

Job description

Requisition Id 17091

Overview

The Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Earth Systems Modeling Group (ESMG) to work on the Terrestrial Ecosystem Science Scientific Focus Area (TES SFA). The successful candidate will contribute to the development and evaluation of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model's land component (ELM) and its peatland-specific configuration (ELM-Peatlands), with a focus on improving the representation of nutrient cycling dynamics and their coupling to hydrological and ecosystem processes. The position offers the opportunity to work at the interface of model development, observational data synthesis, and emerging AI/ML methods, in close collaboration with researchers from the SPRUCE (Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments) experiment and other DOE-supported observational networks.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and test new and improved process representations of nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) cycling and their coupling to hydrological and ecosystem processes within ELM and ELM-Peatlands.
• Evaluate model performance against observational and experimental datasets, including data from SPRUCE, AmeriFlux towers, and other observational and experimental
• Compile, harmonize, and synthesize multi-source observational datasets (e.g., flux, soil biogeochemistry, plant trait, and remote-sensing data) to support model benchmarking, parameterization, and uncertainty quantification.
• Explore and apply AI/ML approaches (e.g., machine-learning emulators, surrogate modeling, AI-assisted model calibration, or pattern detection in large observational datasets) to improve nutrient-cycling representation and reduce predictive uncertainty in models.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, biogeochemists, modelers and data scientists across ORNL and the broader DOE E3SM and Environmental System Science communities.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.

Basic Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Earth sciences, environmental sciences, atmospheric sciences, or a closely related field, either already completed or expected to be completed within the next six months.
• Experience in ecological modelling and/or Land Surface Modelling
• Knowledge and experience working in HPC environment.
• Programming experience in Fortran, Python or R
• Experience in manipulating and analyzing large observation data or model outputs
• Working knowledge of terrestrial biogeochemistry and nutrient-cycling processes
• Strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the land model in the Energy Exascale Earth Model (E3SM) or Community Earth System Model (CESM)
• Background in peatland, wetland, or high-latitude ecosystem biogeochemistry.
• Experience applying machine-learning or AI methods to environmental data analysis, model calibration, or model-data integration.
• Experience synthesizing multi-source, multi-scale observational datasets.

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.

For Foreign National Candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

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.

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.

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.