Jobs:Job-00343

Postdoc position in network-based streamflow modeling

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), New Mexico, United States
Start reviewing process: 12 March 2021

Posting: Position: (postdoctoral) research position Start reviewing process: 12 March 2021 Apply online: https://lanl.jobs/los-alamos-nm/geospatial-hydrology-postdoctoral-researcher/3925DEF8CC384970A864E8A813A378DD/job/ See attached file: Lanl_postdoc_river_network_modeling.pdf

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. You will work in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division, and will be primarily engaged with the Atmosphere, Climate, and Ecosystem Sciences Team. Team members will support and enrich your research and professional goals through their outstanding breadth and depth of expertise in their respective fields.

Research efforts associated with this position include:

• Fusing various geospatial datasets to create a vector representation of the Earth’s river systems, including major human impacts like dams and diversions • Using streamflow gage data to develop and validate a flow routing scheme for links of the network model • Forcing the model with gridded earth system simulations to explore flood risk projections or river flux dynamics at large scales.

You will work with a multi-disciplinary team of observational and computational hydrologists, geomorphologists, and computer scientists in effort to develop a global, network-based model of river connectivity by fusing various existing observational geospatial datasets. A flow routing scheme will be integrated into the river network model and validated with streamflow observations in order to assess flood risk under various climate scenarios. While the overarching research goals for the project have been established, there is significant flexibility in the way these goals can be achieved. Depending on your interests, your research could include components of remote sensing, machine learning, geospatial data fusion, or database development. You will have access to ample high-performance computing resources. A self-motivated, creative postdoc will find this environment conducive to intellectual and professional growth. A comprehensive knowledge of the novel components of the research activities will not be necessary as on-the-job training will support the candidate’s success through a collaborative team atmosphere.

What You Need We seek applications from diverse candidates with experience in any of the following research areas: geospatial data assimilation and analysis, streamflow modeling, river fluxes and/or flood risk, watershed science, or computer science.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• An ability to work and communicate effectively in a diverse team environment • Experience with raster (e.g. DEMs or satellite imagery) and vector (e.g. shapefiles) geospatial data • Proficiency in a programming language • A basic understanding of flow routing

Education/Experience:

A PhD earned no more than five years ago in earth science, computer science, civil engineering, climate science, geography, or closely related fields is required.

Desired Qualifications:

• experience with Python • publications in refereed journals and a history of successful research in collaborative team environments • experience developing flow routing models • exposure to network-based modeling of river systems • interest in exploiting remote sensing or “big” datasets • knowledge of GIS-enabled relational databases

Note to Applicants:

Send a curriculum vitae including names and contact information of three references, a one-page cover letter detailing qualifications and research interests, and your earliest start date to Jon Schwenk at jschwenk@lanl.gov Please entitle the subject line “Global River Network Postdoc Search.” Applications will be reviewed as received, and we hope to fill the position as soon as possible. Additional questions may be included in your application.

Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, or J. Robert Oppenheimer. For general information related to the Postdoc Program, salary, and benefits go to: http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php. Salary ranges can be found at: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/postdoc-program/postdoc-salary-guidelines.php.

The position will ultimately require relocation to the Los Alamos/Santa Fe area. Los Alamos and Santa Fe offer a unique blend of cultural, outdoor, and historical activities. See https://livability.com/nm/los-alamos/experiences-adventures/8-reasons-to-move-to-los-alamos-nm and https://www.lanl.gov/community/visitors/living-in-los-alamos.php for more info.

Where You Will Work:

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes: PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network Dental and vision insurance Free basic life and disability insurance Paid maternity and parental leave Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually) Learning opportunities and tuition assistance Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays) Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

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Of interest for:

Terrestrial Working Group

Hydrology Focus Research Group

Human Dimensions Focus Research Group

River Network Modeling Initiative