The Terrestrial Ecosystem Science group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking applications for two postdoctoral research positions:
1. Synthesizing, building, and testing alternate process assumptions within a model of soil organic matter dynamics.
Understanding soil organic matter dynamics in ecosystems is challenged by the by plethora of alternative hypotheses represented among existing decomposition models. The Ecosystem Science group at ORNL (Advisor: Anthony Walker, Co-Advisors: Ben Sulman, Melanie Mayes) is seeking a post-doctoral research candidate for an exciting new opportunity to synthesize process knowledge and computational models to further understand the sources of variability and uncertainty in our understanding of soil organic matter decomposition. A major component of the role will be to:
Develop a model of soil organic matter dynamics within the Multi-Assumption Architecture and Testbed (MAAT, https://ift.tt/2BzOnKc), a state-of-the-art modeling code that embraces uncertainty related to multiple hypotheses and alternate model structures.
A starting point will be the Microbial Enzyme Decomposition (MEND) model and E3SM Land Model (ELM) soil decomposition schemes, with the expectation to investigate additional alternative process assumptions.
The role is intended to be flexible to allow you to explore your interests within the context of investigating alternative models of soil organic matter dynamics. You will be joining a diverse team of ecosystem ecologists using empirical and modeling tools, working at the cutting edge of above-and-below-ground biogeochemical interactions. You will have the opportunity to travel and work with a number of world-class partner research groups.
Qualities essential for the position are:
Passion for understanding the natural world
Advanced programming skills in R
Research experience in soil organic matter dynamics or biogeochemistry
Excellent written and oral communication
A demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals
Self-motivation and goal setting
Ability to work as a team player
PhD in ecology, soil-science, or related field
Desirable skills are:
Experience in sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification statistical techniques
Experience developing terrestrial ecosystem models
Programming skills in FORTRAN
Experience developing environmental or biogeochemical models from scratch
2. Synthesizing data and building models to understand tropical forest resource acquisition, use, and allocation; with a focus below ground.
Understanding resource acquisition, use, and allocation remains challenged by a lack of root related data, especially in tropical forests. Roots are fundamental for plant resource acquisition and survival, yet datasets are scarce and scattered across research groups. The Ecosystem Science group at ORNL (Advisor: Anthony Walker) and the multi-lab Next Generation Ecosystem Experiment (NGEE) – Tropics are seeking a post-doctoral research candidate for an exciting new opportunity to synthesize knowledge and data with key partners to further understand the role of roots in tropical forest resource acquisition, use, and allocation. A major component of the role will be:
Synthesis and analysis of root and other data from key partners in the ForestGEO (https://ift.tt/2BBttdP) and GEM (https://ift.tt/2uVpZNC) networks to help inform the development and evaluation of resource acquisition and allocation modules in the new Functionally Assembled Terrestrial Ecosystem Simulator (FATES).
The role is intended to be flexible to allow the successful candidate to explore her or his interests within the scope of the role. Possible research areas include:
Development of empirical and conceptual models of tropical forest resource acquisition, use, and allocation
Developing methods to scale function from individual roots to ecosystems
You will be joining a diverse team of empirical and modeling ecosystem ecologists, working at the cutting edge of above-and-below-ground resource interactions. The role will involve the opportunity to travel and work with many world-class partner research groups.
Qualities essential for the position are:
Passion for understanding the natural world
Excellent written and oral communication
Excellent inter-personal skills
Willingness to travel on a regular basis
A demonstrated ability to publish in quality peer-reviewed journals
Self-motivation and goal setting
Ability to work as a team player
PhD in ecology, botany, or related field earned within the last five years
Experience in data collation, synthesis, analysis, and management
Programming skills in data analysis languages R and / or Python
Competence in statistical techniques to analyse complex ecological datasets such as mixed-effects models, generalized models, etc.
Desirable skills are:
Experience developing terrestrial ecosystem models
Programming skills in FORTRAN
For either position:
For more information please contact Anthony Walker (walkerap@ornl.gov | 865 576 9365).
To apply please upload a CV (including contact information for 2-3 professional references) with a cover letter to the ORNL job application website by the 24th December 2018.
You cannot have received your PhD degree more than five years prior to the date of application and you must complete all degree requirements before starting the appointment.
Appointments will initially be for 24 months with a possibility of an extension of up to 12 months. Appointments and extensions are subject to annual performance reviews and availability of funding. Anticipated start date is February, 2019.
Benefits at ORNL: UT-Battelle offers a quality benefits package, including a matching 401(k), contributory pension plan, paid vacation, and medical/dental plan options. Onsite amenities include a credit union, medical clinic, cafeteria, coffee stands, and fitness facilities.
Relocation: Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.
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