Postdoctoral Researcher
About The Position
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division is hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher for the AmeriFlux Management Project to help lead the AmeriFlux Year of AI, a network-wide initiative exploring how artificial intelligence and machine learning can advance ecosystem science and increase the value of long-term ecosystem flux observations. The project supports eddy covariance sites measuring carbon, water, and energy exchanges between ecosystems and the atmosphere. The researcher will coordinate scientific community activities and work with the AmeriFlux data team to develop AI-enabled tools, data products, and services. The role also offers opportunities to conduct independent research using AmeriFlux datasets. The researcher will collaborate with ecosystem scientists, data scientists, software engineers, site teams, data users, and AI/ML researchers. Trevor Keenan will serve as the primary advisor. The appointment is full-time for two years, with possible renewal depending on satisfactory performance, funding availability, and operational needs. Applicants must have less than three years of paid postdoctoral experience. The anticipated start date is March 1, 2027, although earlier or later dates may be considered. Work will be performed primarily at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in Berkeley, California. The position is union-represented and subject to a background check.
Requirements
- Recent Ph.D. in ecology, Earth or environmental science, atmospheric science, data science, computer science, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience applying machine learning, statistical, or other data-driven methods to scientific data.
- Experience working with large, complex datasets, such as environmental time series, remote sensing, or model output.
- Strong communication and organizational skills, including the ability to engage with diverse scientific audiences.
- A record of scientific productivity demonstrated through publications or other research outputs.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary, distributed team.
- Must have less than three years of paid postdoctoral experience.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with eddy covariance data, flux networks such as AmeriFlux or FLUXNET, or ecosystem carbon, water, and energy cycles.
- Proficiency in Python, R, or similar languages, and experience with reproducible research software practices such as version control and open-source development.
- Experience with modern AI approaches, such as deep learning, foundation models, large language models, or AI agents.
- Participation in, or experience organizing, workshops, seminars, or other scientific community activities.
- Interest in open science, data stewardship, and FAIR data principles.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate AmeriFlux Year of AI activities, including workshops, seminars, webinars, and community events.
- Collaborate with the AmeriFlux data team to develop AI/ML-enabled data products, tools, and workflows.
- Engage with site teams, data users, and AI/ML researchers to identify network needs and opportunities.
- Conduct independent research integrating AI/ML and flux observations to advance ecosystem science.
- Communicate findings through publications, presentations, reports, newsletters, and web content.
- Collaborate with related efforts at Berkeley Lab and beyond, including FLUXNET and other flux networks, remote sensing, and Earth system modeling.
- Contribute to the development and evaluation of AI tools, such as AI assistants, agents, or foundation models, to improve access to and use of flux data.
- Help develop community resources, such as benchmark datasets, best-practice guidance, or training materials, for AI applications in ecosystem science.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options.
- 24 days of Personal Time Off per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays.
- Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs.
- Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association activities, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange.
- Collaborative and inclusive culture.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
