Research Scientist - Land Surface Modeling

Requisition Id15940

Overview:

The Earth Systems Science (ESS) section within the Environmental Sciences Division (ESD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seekinga research scientist to advance the integration of observations and experiments into Earth system models across multiple scales. In particular, we are seeking a scientist withexpertisein process-based modeling of biogeochemistry and vegetationcombined withanalysis of ecosystem measurements across temporal and spatial scales.This position will support projectsworking 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.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• 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-qualityjournals 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• 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 geospatialand/ortime seriesdata analysis.

• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skillsand 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conductingland surfacemodel simulationsin high-performance computing environments, evaluating models using measurements, and improving model representation of key processes.

• Experience with leading-edgemodelprocess representation such as redox biogeochemistry or forest demography in land surface models.

• Experience working with large environmental datasets such as flux towerand remote sensingdata.

• Skills instatistically basedmodel 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 ID compliant 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 post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.