Postdoctoral Researcher (Ecosystem modeling)

Mission:

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.


Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research and impact helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary:


Join Woodwell's Permafrost Pathways team as a Postdoctoral Researcher, where you will collaborate with a team of researchers to develop and run an ecosystem model, analyze model output, and publish and present research. The Permafrost Pathways modeling team is collaborating with researchers at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks to develop the DVM-DOS-TEM model and apply it across arctic-boreal ecosystems to understand the impact of climate change on carbon fluxes, permafrost dynamics, and wildfire patterns - including the impact of different management interventions on wildfire.


Responsibilities include but not limited to the following:

• Work within a highly collaborative environment including a team of process modelers, remote sensing experts, and field scientists, and have opportunities to communicate project results and engage with different audiences through in-person and virtual meetings, multimedia outreach materials, and website design
• Contribute to a larger project to monitor and project Arctic-boreal carbon emissions, inform climate mitigation policy, and facilitate climate adaptation in permafrost regions
• Conduct model simulations and analyze model output at multiple spatial and temporal scales
• Lead manuscript preparation and publication
• Contribute to model development activities
• Collaborate with project researchers and partners on scenarios for modeling the impact of wildfire management on carbon, permafrost, and wildfire dynamics
• Present results at relevant conferences and meetings

Must have the Following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to run and analyze the output from process-based ecosystem models
• Established knowledge of carbon cycling, wildfire, and high-latitude ecosystems
• Demonstrated record of publication in scientific journals
• Ability to work as a member of a highly collaborative team, work across disciplines, and interest in contributing to broader science, communication, and policy goals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a highly collaborative environment)
• Ability to travel up to 10%

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: Ph.D. (granted or expected soon) in Earth System Science, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Geography, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, or a related discipline

Application review will begin on June 15, 2026

Desired Start Date: August/September 2026

Fixed-term: 2 years

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, the annual salary range starting at $71,000 dependent on qualifications/experience. Woodwell offers a generous benefits package and work life balance.

Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts or remote.

Application Instructions: To apply, please send your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position, curriculum vitae as a single PDF to our career's portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.


Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell's work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.


Woodwell Climate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.