Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher

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:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Cover Letter.
• 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.