[Remote] Post Doctorate Research Associate - Urban-Resolving Earth System Modeling

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Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a national laboratory conducting research in Earth and environmental sciences, advanced computing, and related fields. The postdoctoral research associate will improve the representation of urban evolution in Earth system models by analyzing satellite observations, generating time-varying urban biophysical datasets, and incorporating them into E3SM for sensitivity experiments.


Responsibilities

  • The Earth System Modeling Group at PNNL seeks a postdoctoral research associate to improve representation of urban evolution, or change in urban extent and properties over time, in Earth system models (ESMs). The successful candidate will perform global-scale analyses of satellite observations and satellite-derived datasets to generate ensembles of temporally varying biophysical parameters for urban areas, both historical and for future scenarios. These datasets will then be incorporated into DOE’s Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) to run sensitivity experiments on the role of urban parameter inputs on local to regional meteorological states across scales. Expertise in statistical analysis (particularly machine learning methods) relevant to time-series forecasting, remote sensing, and previous experience running E3SM or other ESMs is desired

Skills

  • Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university
  • Ph.D. degree in Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology, Physics, Environmental Science, Environment Engineering, Statistics, or a related field
  • Familiarity with high-performance computing, Earth system modeling, and statistical analysis
  • Experience with computer languages usually used for modeling and analysis (Fortran, Python, NCL, C++, etc.)
  • Demonstrated expertise in urban-scale modeling and analysis
  • Demonstrated expertise in satellite remote sensing, especially using Google Earth Engine
  • Experience with computer languages used for geospatial modeling and analysis (GDAL, Python, JavaScript for Earth Engine, R, etc.)
  • Demonstrated experience in using Earth system models like CESM and/or E3SM
  • Demonstrated experience in modifying the source code of models to develop new capability
  • Demonstrated experience in advanced statistical analysis and/or machine learning techniques
  • Knowledge of novel data-model integration techniques
  • Ability to think critically and pursue original ideas independently

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
  • Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
  • All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Company Overview

  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory operates as a government research laboratory. It was founded in 1965, and is headquartered in Richland, Washington, USA, with a workforce of 5001-10000 employees. Its website is

  • Company H1B Sponsorship

  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 94 in 2026, 174 in 2025, 160 in 2024, 177 in 2023, 201 in 2022, 147 in 2021, 136 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.

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