Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Earth & Environmental Sciences Area to study Gulf Coast coastal watershed variability using machine learning, AI, GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial and geophysical datasets. The researcher will develop AI-driven approaches, including image classification and explainable AI, to assess ecosystem vulnerability to disturbance and underlying geomorphological processes.

The position supports the Exploring Gulf Region Ecosystem Transitions (EGRET) project, an interdisciplinary collaboration investigating disturbance-driven ecosystem transitions and their ecological, hydrological, and geomorphological impacts. The postdoctoral scholar will collaborate with researchers across institutions, integrating AI/ML, remote sensing, process-based modeling, and field observations to advance predictive understanding of coastal ecosystem responses.

Candidates should have strong expertise in machine learning, coastal geomorphology, and geospatial analysis, along with excellent communication skills and a motivation to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available

• 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays

• Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs

• Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange

• A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong

You will:

• Develop AI/ML methods for geospatial modeling and analysis of disturbance-driven coastal ecosystem transitions.

• Integrate and analyze geophysical, microbial, water quality, ecological, hydrological, and remote sensing datasets to understand ecosystem responses and geomorphological processes.

• Apply image classification, explainable AI, uncertainty quantification, and upscaling techniques.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers, including modelers and experimental scientists, to achieve project goals.

• Publish peer-reviewed articles and technical reports, present findings at conferences, and meet project deadlines.

• Maintain a safe, respectful, and collaborative research environment.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Contribute to developing new field sites, apply new monitoring methods, collect new data during field campaigns, and interpret newly collected datasets from geophysical monitoring techniques including airborne EM, electrical resistivity tomography, and seismic surveys.

We are looking for:

• PhD in Geosciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on geospatial analysis completed within the last 5 years.

• Demonstrated research productivity through oral and written skills, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a large multidisciplinary team.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated experience developing and applying  AI/ML models to enhance process understanding at watershed scales.

• Ability to collaborate with experimental microbiologists, hydrologists, and geochemists to improve predictive capabilities for hydro-biogeochemical processes;

• Develop uncertainty quantification tools and upscaling algorithms;

• Sufficiently knowledgeable on the use of high-performance computing, Python/R, parallel simulation and large dataset analysis/manipulation, and other coding tools

• Ability to identify and develop new research areas and contribute to research proposals.

• Engage broadly as a member of a large, multidisciplinary research team that includes microbiologists, geochemists, hydrologists, and computational scientists.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Knowledge of field measurement and collection techniques and ability to work outdoors during field campaigns.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by January 1, 2027. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.

• Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,790 - $9,234 and is expected to start at $6,790 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.

• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.