Postdoctoral Researcher

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

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to develop and apply three-dimensional hydrologic models of headwater systems in the Upper Colorado River basin. You will work with a diverse team to study disturbance, land cover change, and hydroclimate effects on the water-energy budget, leveraging ATS-EcoSIM and large observation datasets.

You will perform high-fidelity simulations, analyze outputs, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications while expanding

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in hydrology, civil, environmental engineering, or related field.
• Experience with numerical hydrologic models and land surface models.
• Experience with Linux on cluster and HPC environments.
• Experience handling large datasets with Python, C++, or Fortran.
• Experience implementing workflows with API wrappers and tools like Jupyter, R, or Python notebooks.
• Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and publish peer-reviewed work.

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated hydrologic models of mountainous watersheds using ATS-EcoSIM.
• Collaborate with scientists across disciplines in mountain environments.
• Generate and synthesize large datasets produced via high-performance computing.
• Author peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports.

Skills

Python

C++

Fortran

HPC

Education

PhD in hydrology/environmental engineering

Tools

ATS-EcoSIM

Jupyter

Job description

The Earth and Environmental Science Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory welcomes applicants for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Integrated Hydrologic Modeling.

About the position:
You will conduct research as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists from LBNL’s Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area project . You will develop and utilize three-dimensional watershed models of a headwater system in the Upper Colorado River basin to study the effects of disturbance, land cover change, and hydroclimate on the water-energy budget. Focus on changes in snowpack and forest interactions are particularly relevant. The developed numerical models will leverage a large suite of in-situ and remotely sensed observational datasets, spanning from subsurface to atmosphere. You will have experience developing and running hydrologic and land model simulations and a working knowledge of high-performance computing environments.

Specific responsibilities will involve the use of ATS-EcoSIM, a new version of the distributed hydrologic model ATS (The Advanced Terrestrial Simulator), coupled to a trait-based plant-soil-microbe model (ATS-EcoSIM). The code provides a framework for three-dimensional hydrologic modeling to be coupled to biological and chemical processes, including plant water uptake, surface energy balance, and ecosystem biogeochemistry and microbiology.

This position has an anticipated start date of January 4th, 2027.

You will:

• Develop integrated hydrologic models of mountainous watersheds and perform high resolution/high-fidelity simulations with ATS-EcoSIM.
• Collaborate and engage with a diverse team of scientists with a vast expertise in mountain environments, including groundwater-surface water interaction, plant physiology, geochemistry and reactive transport, geophysics, remote sensing, and atmospheric science.
• Generate and synthesize large datasets produced via high performance computing.
• Author peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in hydrology, civil, environmental engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in numerical hydrologic models and land surface models.
• Experience with Linux on cluster and/or high-performance computing environments.
• Experience working with and manipulating large datasets with scripting languages such as Python, or compiled languages such as C++, and Fortran.
• Experience implementing workflows with API wrappers and software such as Jupyter, R, or Python notebooks.
• Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists.
• Ability to author peer-reviewed journal publications and technical reports.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Ability to work with AI-agents.

Requested Application Materials:

• Statement of research experience and interests.

Additional information:

Application date: Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Priority consideration will be given to candidates as applications are received.

Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, 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.

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?

We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:

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

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 .