Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Part time

Job summary

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to advance an EPSCoR project led by Dr. Sophie von Fromm in collaboration with PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

The role focuses on soil science, biogeochemistry, and Earth system modeling within LRES. The candidate will perform SFT framework development, global data analyses, field campaign support, and cross-institutional collaborations, with an

Qualifications

• PhD in soil science, biogeochemistry, environmental data science, Earth system modeling, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience applying statistical or machine learning methods to environmental or geospatial datasets.
• Proficiency in a scientific programming language (R or Python).
• Experience working with large environmental or soil datasets.
• Demonstrated experience with written and oral scientific communication.

Responsibilities

• Soil Functional Type (SFT) Framework Development: compile/harmonize global soil data.
• Biogeochemical Representativeness Analysis & SFT Mapping: evaluate data coverage and map SFTs.
• Field Campaign Support: analytical/logistical support and data integration from field sampling.
• ELM Benchmarking & PNNL Collaboration: lead benchmarking with PNNL and propose EMSL studies.

Skills

Stat/ML methods

Python/R programming

Large environmental datasets

Written and oral communication

Education

PhD in soil science / biogeochemistry / environmental data science / Earth system modeling

Job description

Position Details

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27112
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Sophie von Fromm
[e-mail]
406-994-4605

Classification Title Postdoctoral Researcher
Working Title Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Brief Position Overview
Position Number 4C7717
Department Land Resources & Environ Sci
Division College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type Research Professional
Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible
Salary $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type LOA
Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences (LRES) at Montana State University conducts research and teaching across soil science, ecology, hydrology, and natural resource management. This position supports a newly funded DOE Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) project led by PI Dr. Sophie von Fromm, in partnership with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Soil Functional Type (SFT) Framework Development
  • Compile and harmonize global observational soil databases in support of SFT framework development.
  • Apply (unsupervised) machine learning methods to develop depth-explicit SFTs.
• Biogeochemical Representativeness Analysis & SFT Mapping
  • Evaluate whether existing global soil databases adequately sample the biogeochemical process space relevant to soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics.
  • Produce global SFT maps and identify priority data/sampling gaps.
• Field Campaign Support
  • Provide analytical and logistical support for a Montana field sampling campaign.
  • Integrate field-collected data (reactive mineralogy, radiocarbon, SOM fractionation) into SFT validation.
• ELM Benchmarking & PNNL Collaboration
  • Lead benchmarking activities in close collaboration with Dr. Avni Malhotra (PNNL).
  • Diagnose where current Earth System Model structures fail to represent mineral–organic matter controls on carbon persistence.
  • Complete an extended research residency at PNNL; contribute to development of an EMSL user proposal for molecular-scale characterization.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• PhD in soil science, biogeochemistry, environmental data science, Earth system modeling, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience applying statistical or machine learning methods to environmental or geospatial datasets.
• Proficiency in a scientific programming language (R or Python).
• Experience working with large environmental or soil datasets.
• Demonstrated experience with written and oral scientific communication.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience with unsupervised machine learning methods.
• Experience with Earth System Models (e.g., E3SM/ELM) or land surface/biogeochemical modeling.
• Background in soil biogeochemistry, mineralogy, or soil organic matter dynamics.
• Prior experience collaborating with national laboratories or large multi-institutional research teams.
• Peer-reviewed publication record.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent project objectives.
• Strong collaborator across disciplines, institutions, and remote research teams.
• Strong communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with strong data management practices.
• Adaptable to both computational/lab-based work and field-based research settings.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

• Position is contingent upon continued DOE EPSCoR grant funding.
• Requires an extended research residency at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (Richland, WA).
• Occasional travel to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Montana field sites required.
• Occasional travel to national scientific conferences (e.g., AGU) required.

Physical Demands

Most work is computer-based. Field campaign support may require traversing uneven outdoor terrain, digging and soil sampling, and transporting up to 40 lbs, with exposure to variable weather conditions.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on October 7, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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