Research Scientist - Land Surface Modeling

Research Scientist - Land Surface Modeling

The Earth Systems Science (ESS) section within the Environmental Sciences Division (ESD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a research scientist to advance the integration of observations and experiments into Earth system models across multiple scales. In particular, we are seeking a scientist with expertise in process-based modeling of biogeochemistry and vegetation combined with analysis of ecosystem measurements across temporal and spatial scales.

This position will support projects working in Arctic, boreal, and/or coastal ecosystems through evaluation of current models and improvement of model process representation. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong multidisciplinary expertise and quantitative skills.

ESD is an interdisciplinary research and development organization with 140 scientists and engineers, a $70M annual budget, and more than 70 years of achievements in local, national, and international environmental research. Our vision is to expand scientific knowledge and develop innovative strategies and technologies that will boost economic prosperity, ensure energy security, and strengthen the nation's competitiveness while sustaining Earth’s natural resources.

Our scientists conduct research, develop technology, and perform analyses to understand and assess responses of environmental systems at the environment-human-energy interface. ESD scientists examine environmental processes from the molecular to the global level in support of projects primarily sponsored by DOE’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research, Bioenergy Technologies Office, Water Power Technologies Office, and the Office of Environmental Management.

• Along with a cross-disciplinary team of researchers, advance our scientific understanding and ability to predict dynamic changes in Earth system processes in understudied ecosystems that are key to the energy security of the United States.
• Leverage strong quantitative skills to combine analysis of ecological measurements with advanced land surface modeling to evaluate and improve process representation in ecological and biogeochemical models.
• Publish scientific discoveries in top-quality journals and participate in the development of a next generation of scientific programs.
• Deliver on ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

• A PhD in Earth science, geography, environmental modeling, environmental science, or a closely related field, and at least two years of post-PhD experience.
• Understanding of biogeochemical and ecological processes.
• Programming experience in Fortran, python, R, or a related language.
• Experience in geospatial and/or time series data analysis.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills and a strong record of publication in high-quality, peer-reviewed, international journals.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work as a part of a team.
• Comfortable in a multi-disciplinary environment.

• Experience conducting land surface model simulations in high-performance computing environments, evaluating models using measurements, and improving model representation of key processes.
• Experience with leading-edge model process representation such as redox biogeochemistry or forest demography in land surface models.
• Experience working with large environmental datasets such as flux tower and remote sensing data.
• Skills in statistically based model evaluation using observational data.
• Evidence of leadership potential, such as organization of workshops or working groups.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable…