Soil Carbon & Climate Modeling Postdoc

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA seeks a postdoctoral scientist to join an international group analyzing deep soil warming experiments. You will apply mechanistic and machine learning models to study warming effects on soil carbon cycling and estimate potential soil carbon feedbacks with climate.

The role emphasizes collaboration with scientists from graduate students to senior researchers, and work with colleagues at the University of Michigan.

Qualifications

• Scientific background in Earth system science with knowledge of terrestrial ecosystem ecology and soil science.
• Strong numerical modeling skills.
• Ability to design model experiments, visualize large data sets, and analyze results.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver oral and written presentations of results.
• Record of scientific publications.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize observations from global soil warming experiments to inform model structure, calibration, and testing.
• Design and carry out model-based experiments, using model simulations to explore questions regarding the role of soils in terrestrial responses to global change, including soil carbon dynamics and CO2 exchange with the atmosphere.
• Improve and apply mechanistic and machine learning models for terrestrial processes.
• Evaluate biogeochemical interactions and their effects on carbon and energy exchanges with the atmosphere.
• Work creatively, independently, and productively.
• Work as a member of a large multidisciplinary research team.
• Author peer-reviewed journal articles and present work at conferences and meetings.

Skills

Numerical modeling

Data visualization

Scientific publications

Oral and written communication

Job description

The Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division of Berkeley Lab has an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral scientist to participate in an international working group analyzing deep soil warming experiments across the world. In this exciting role, you will apply mechanistic and machine learning models to study observed effects of warming on soil and ecosystem carbon cycling and the mechanisms shaping the soil response, and to estimate potential soil carbon feedbacks with climate. The project encourages collaboration with a wide range of scientists, from graduate students to senior researchers, studying soil biogeochemistry under warming, how to best represent these processes in models, and how to use the models to extrapolate in space and time. Although the position is based out of Berkeley Lab, the successful candidate will also work closely with researchers at the Institute for Global Change Biology at the University of Michigan.

What You Will Do:

• Synthesize observations from global soil warming experiments to inform model structure, calibration, and testing.
• Design and carry out model-based experiments, using model simulations to explore questions regarding the role of soils in terrestrial responses to global change, including soil carbon dynamics and CO2 exchange with the atmosphere.
• Improve and apply mechanistic and machine learning models for terrestrial processes.
• Evaluate biogeochemical interactions and their effects on carbon and energy exchanges with the atmosphere.
• Work creatively, independently, and productively.
• Work as a member of a large multidisciplinary research team.
• Author peer-reviewed journal articles and present work at conferences and meetings.

What is Required:

• Scientific background in Earth system science with knowledge of terrestrial ecosystem ecology and soil science.
• Strong numerical modeling skills.
• Ability to design model experiments, visualize large data sets, and analyze results.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver oral and written presentations of results.
• Record of scientific publications.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and use of terrestrial biogeochemical models.
• Ability to collaborate with others in multi-disciplinary projects.
• Commitment to working safely.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2 year, 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.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,476.00 - $8,326.00 and is expected to start at $6,476.00 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.
• This position may be 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 will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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