Post Doctorate RA - Human-Earth Systems

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • College Park, MD

14d • Onsite

About The Position

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to advance research, modeling, and uncertainty characterization in the human-Earth system. This role is part of the Global Change Intersectoral Modeling System (GCIMS) Science Focus Area, sponsored by DOE BER. The successful applicant will lead analysis using the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM) and related GCIMS modeling capabilities (e.g., Hector, Xanthos). The position involves model, data, and scenario development to generate and analyze large ensembles of GCAM simulations, quantifying the effect of changes in human and Earth system drivers on energy, water, land systems, and other resource and technology systems. The scientist will apply artificial intelligence and machine learning tools for analysis and lead multiple peer-reviewed publications. There will be opportunities to collaborate with the GCIMS team and external researchers at national labs and universities. The GCIMS project aims to improve understanding of complex interactions among energy, water, land, Earth systems, socioeconomics, and other human and natural systems at various scales. It also supports the DOE’s Genesis Mission to build an AI-driven scientific platform. The project utilizes models such as Demeter, Hector, Xanthos, and Tethys, and the postdoctoral scientist will contribute to developing these and new tools, including AI solutions.

Requirements

• Received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
• A background in engineering, physical sciences, applied mathematics, computational science, economics, hydrology, or related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A willingness to work both independently and within a collaborative team environment.
• Proven capability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Substantial programming experience.
• Experience with Python, R, and/or C++ is particularly useful.
• Experience in and an eagerness to apply evolving AI methodologies to all aspects of the research and modeling.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis using the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM) and related GCIMS modeling capabilities (e.g., Hector, Xanthos).
• Focus on model, data, and scenario development to generate and analyze large ensembles of GCAM simulations that quantify the effect of changes in human and Earth system drivers on energy, water, land systems, and other important resource and technology systems, such as critical minerals and materials.
• Apply advancing artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to facilitate analysis where applicable.
• Lead multiple peer-reviewed publications on this work.
• Contribute to developing existing models (Demeter, Hector, Xanthos, Tethys) and build new tools for assisting research.
• Develop AI solutions for model development consistent with DOE’s Genesis Mission.

Benefits

• health insurance
• flexible work schedules
• 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
• fertility support
• company-funded pension plan
• 401 (k) savings plan with company match
• 120 vacation hours per year
• ten paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree