Berkeley Lab's Climate & Ecosystem Science Division in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Area (EESA) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for the Watershed Function Science Focus Area (SFA) project. This DOE-funded project focuses on the snow-dominated, high-elevation watersheds of the Upper Colorado River Basin, which support water for one in 10 Americans and over $1 trillion in economic activity annually.
The project addresses how mountainous watersheds respond to warming and drought, impacting their function. The Postdoctoral Researcher will conduct collaborative research on how these conditions affect ecosystem functions, particularly in forest ecosystems, using remotely sensed data, field observations, data analysis, modeling, and machine learning.
What You Will Do:
- Lead research on climate change effects on mountainous watershed ecosystems, focusing on forests.
- Develop and integrate analyses using field observation, remote sensing, machine learning, and modeling to study forest changes due to disturbances (e.g., drought conditions).
- Co-lead field campaigns in the Rocky Mountains.
- Author peer-reviewed papers and present at conferences.
- Participate in meetings, workshops, and write reports/proposals.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Environmental, Earth Sciences, Engineering, or related fields.
- Expertise in data analysis methods: statistical techniques, machine learning, or data-informed modeling.
- Strong quantitative and computational skills; proficient in Python or R.
- Experience with remote sensing data.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Ability to work independently and within a team.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in forest science, tree physiology, and dendrochronology.
- Proficient with LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging.
- Familiar with data analytics and machine learning tools.
- Interest in collaborative research, open science, and creating reusable software/data products.
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.
- 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 is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
- 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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