Postdoctoral Research Associate - Climate Risk Analytics

Updated: 3 days ago
Location: Oak Ridge, TENNESSEE

Requisition Id 13043 

Overview:

We are seeking Postdoctoral Research Associates who will support the Computational Earth Sciences (CES) Group in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED), Computing and Computational Sciences (CCSD) Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). 

 

The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in conducting research on regional downscaling of climate simulations, analysis, and data transformation into relevant metrics suitable for socioeconomic climate risk analytics and decision science. The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of approaches to establish a predictive understanding of regional climate variability and change and use that information in developing decision-support systems and climate toolkits for human systems such as the agricultural industry or underprivileged communities. The candidate should have experience in geospatial modeling and analysis. Prior experience in engaging with stakeholders is desirable.

 

The CES group is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists carrying out research to improve process understanding of the global Earth system by developing and applying models, machine learning, and computational tools at scale; integrating observational data; and quantifying Earth system predictability and uncertainty associated with interactions between water, energy, biogeochemical cycles, and aerosols. 

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Participate in research to establish climate services for integrating climate change and variability into regional to local-scale decision-making.
  • Develop analytical frameworks for transforming downscaled data into stakeholder-relevant metrics and climate risk analytics.
  • Design and conduct regional downscaling experiments and analyses.
  • Engage with regional and local stakeholders to understand their needs for effective decision-making regarding climate change.
  • Collaborate with CES, CSED researchers, and internal and external sponsors to broaden our research portfolio.
  • Maintain and improve your scientific publication credentials.
  • Interpret, report, and present research findings to audiences of all levels clearly and effectively.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace.

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD in atmospheric science, environmental science, or related interdisciplinary background completed within the last five years.
  • Candidate must have a strong research profile and be able to conduct independent research.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in running regional downscaling experiments or their analyses.
  • Familiarity with different downscaling techniques and climate storyline approaches.
  • Understanding of climate finance, climate policy, resilient development, and climate risk analytics.
  • Experience analyzing big data, ensemble simulations, and remotely sensed data products. 
  • Efficiency in the use of high-performance computing resources.
  • Knowledge of modeling, simulations, and geospatial analyses. 
  • Advanced level expertise in a programming language such as Python.
  • Strong publication records in the areas of expertise
  • Research experience in uncertainty quantification, optimization, and predictive modeling.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Essential skills include working effectively in a fast-paced research environment, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines, and adapting to changing requirements.

 

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension of up to 12 months. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

 

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [email protected] with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

 

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

 

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain dedicated people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

 

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [email protected] or call 1.866.963.9545.

 

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [email protected].


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville