Postdoctoral Researcher – Decision Support & Analysis

Job Description

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance open‑source modeling of critical mineral and material (CMM) flows within broader system contexts. The role involves collaboration across teams specializing in data automation, scaling and integration, life cycle and techno‑economic analysis, economic modeling, material flow analysis, energy systems, and integrated assessment modeling.

• Advance and expand existing and build new modeling capabilities in industrial CMM analysis.
• Support the assessment of CMM futures using NLR datasets and tools such asLiAISON,ReEDS, andFINITO.
• Build expertise and proficiency in using the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM) in conjunction with NLR datasets and tools for systems analysis.
• Update, curate, and analyze industrial and life cycle data to build high‑quality unit datasets.
• Develop, write, and document code to support model development and code‑based assessment frameworks.
• Integrate cross‑cutting costing, life‑cycle, and process data.
• Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to assess, validate, and visualize results.
• Write and publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical reports.
• Present research findings to clients, scientific peers, and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with colleagues within and outside of NLR.

• Recent PhD graduate (within the last three years) in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Ecology, Chemical Engineering, Economics, or a closely related field.
• Deep experience developing codebases in Python with documentation and/or user guides.
• Experience in optimization and advanced (hybrid, dynamic, consequential, or prospective) LCA tools and energy systems models.
• Experience with industrial datasets and process modeling, or developing custom life‑cycle inventories and using established life‑cycle inventory databases.
• Familiarity with LCA software such as Brightway, GaBi, Sima Pro, and OpenLCA.
• Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to apply theoretical concepts to real‑world scenarios.
• Self‑motivated, quick learner, ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Familiarity with NLR’s databases and tools such as USLCI,LiAISON,ReEDS,FINITO, andGCAM.
• Knowledge in multiple disciplines, including engineering and software development.
• Interdisciplinary curiosity and a desire to broaden technical skills and apply cutting‑edge AI/ML functions into workflows.
• Knowledge of energy sector tax credits.
• Experience using Git Hub or other code‑sharing platforms.
• Strong technical writing skills with a history of publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.

Annual salary range: $76,600 – $126,400 (full‑time, 40hours per week). Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short‑term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) employee savings plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off, sick leave, and paid holidays. Additional benefits may include performance‑based awards and relocation expense reimbursement.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as necessary.