Indoor Environment Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) Energy Analysis & Environmental Impacts Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team.
In this exciting role, you will work in the Indoor Environment (IE) research group which is part of the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Systems Department of the Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts (EAEI) Division. The Postdoctoral is also expected to work with the Whole Building Systems (WBS) Department of the Building Technologies and Urban Systems Division (BTUS). 

You will take a leading, hands-on role in conducting field measurements of methane emissions from residential gas appliances. The goal of the study is to characterize methane emissions from post-meter natural gas infrastructure in California’s residential sector. Field sampling aims to include a diverse group of homes, such as multifamily units in Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area, as well as homes in Fresno, Stockton, Sacramento, and Chico, with at least 50% of the homes in disadvantaged communities. In addition to data collection, the postdoctoral scholar will perform data analysis aimed to identify building, appliance technology, and household characteristics that can be used to screen for high emissions to design efficient decarbonization programs and improve California’s methane inventory. 

The postdoctoral scholar is additionally expected to contribute to other projects and activities within IE and WBS including but not limited to the following topic areas: measurements of cooking related emissions in residential and commercial kitchens; experimental and simulation-based studies to quantify the impacts of energy efficient ventilation, filtration, and air cleaning technologies to synergistically improve indoor air quality while also reducing energy use; and evaluating opportunities to achieve synergistic health and resilience benefits when retrofitting existing buildings to improve energy performance and reduce carbon emissions. 

What You Will Do:

• Design and conduct research study to measure greenhouse gas emissions and indoor air pollutants from residential gas appliances in multiple locations across California. 
• Organize data and perform quality checks; carry out statistical analysis and prepare results for publication. 
• Document and communicate research results through publications, such as technical reports and journal manuscripts.
• Review published literature, identify and evaluate technical information; synthesize state of knowledge on topics related to indoor air quality, indoor environmental quality, health and other human outcomes in the built environment, energy efficiency, decarbonization, and resilient buildings. 
• Participate in professional scientific activities, e.g. perform reviews of manuscripts, presenting research findings at conferences and meetings, reporting of work progress to sponsors. 
• Adhere with ETA and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements.
• Participate and contribute to IE group meetings. 

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Support and contribute to the development of research project ideas and proposals.
• As opportunities arise and time allows, provide support to other projects and groups within the Energy Technologies Area of LBNL. 

What is Required:

• Ph.D. degree in relevant science or engineering field.
• Demonstrated ability to implement experimental studies and field studies involving measurements of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Demonstrated ability to perform statistical analysis of measured environmental data, generate data plots and visualizations, and synthesize results. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computing software for statistical analysis and visualization (e.g. python, R) and data management.
• Good understanding of building science principles and combustion technologies that impact IEQ and energy use in residential and commercial buildings. 
• General knowledge of physical, chemical and biological processes that impacts air pollutant transport and fate in indoor environments. 
• Ability to independently execute tasks that require critical thinking.
• Demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical publications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Valid driver license; ability to drive and travel to field measurement sites outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Desired Qualifications:

• General knowledge of building codes and standards, practices and technologies.
• General knowledge of exposure and risk assessment, environmental health science, and public health policy.
• Experience with building simulation tools like CONTAM and EnergyPlus. 
• Experience with research involving human subjects.
• Experience with survey design and data analysis. 

For Consideration, please apply by April 30, 2024 with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

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 $7,455 / mo - $8,326.00 / mo  and is expected to start at $7,455 / mo or above.  Postdoctoral 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.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status.

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