Postdoctoral Researcher – Urban Boundary Layer and Extreme Heat

Brookhaven National Laboratory; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 71,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join their innovative team focused on urban climate challenges. This role involves conducting field research using advanced mobile observatory technology to gather critical weather data. The researcher will analyze the interactions between urban infrastructure and extreme weather, contributing to vital predictive tools for climate resilience. With opportunities to engage with a global scientific community, this position promises a dynamic work environment where your findings will influence urban climate strategies and social equity initiatives. If you are passionate about making a difference in climate science, this is an exciting opportunity!

Qualifications

• PhD required in relevant fields such as meteorology or data science.
• Experience with data analysis and statistical methods is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design field deployment strategies for urban climate models evaluation.
• Conduct observational research on the urban boundary layer using big data.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Meteorology

Data Science

Statistical Testing

Uncertainty Quantification

Programming in Matlab

Programming in Python

Communication Skills

Education

PhD in Meteorology

PhD in Atmospheric Sciences

PhD in Data Science

PhD in Mathematics

Tools

WRF

PALM

Visualization Tools

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher – Urban Boundary Layer and Extreme Heat

Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Researcher – Urban Boundary Layer and Extreme Heat role at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Center for Multiscale Applied Sensing (CMAS) is a multidisciplinary center focused on innovative solutions to challenges influenced by meteorological conditions in complex environments like cities and terrains. CMAS specializes in meteorological data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation (https://www.bnl.gov/cmas/), operating within the Environmental and Climate Sciences Department.

The selected candidate will join the BNL’s CMAS team, primarily as part of the Southwest Urban Corridor Integrated Field Laboratory project supported by the Department of Energy’s Biological Environmental Research program. This project integrates high-resolution observations, models, and civic engagement to develop predictive tools addressing extreme climate events, emissions, and pollution in the Arizona urban corridor.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct field work using CMAS mobile observatory trucks to collect weather data. The data will be analyzed to understand feedbacks among urban infrastructure, waste heat, and extreme weather, assess spatial patterns of heat and air quality impacts, and evaluate social equity of mitigation strategies. The role involves interaction with an international scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design field deployment strategies for urban climate models evaluation.
• Participate in summer field work.
• Conduct observational research on the urban boundary layer using big data.
• Assess model performance with observational data.
• Develop visualization tools for observational data.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Report findings in meetings and seminars.
• Participate in conferences and workshops.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• PhD in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, data science, mathematics, or related fields.
• Experience with data science, statistical testing, and uncertainty quantification.
• Programming skills in Matlab, Python, etc.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Strong communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within a month.
• Ability to drive a light-duty truck for long hours.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with weather instrumentation and data analysis.
• Experience with big observational data and online databases.
• Knowledge of climate observations, numerical models, and visualization tools.
• Experience with atmospheric models (e.g., WRF, PALM).
• Knowledge of machine learning and predictive modeling.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements

• Wear PPE, climb ladders, work in inclement weather, and travel.

Other Information

• Applications reviewed starting April 2025; position filled when suitable candidate found.
• Research under Dr. Katia Lamer.
• Initial 1-year appointment, renewable based on performance and funding.
• Full onsite position in Upton, NY.
• Salary range: $71,900 - $76,000, commensurate with experience.