[ES_JOBS_NET] Two postdoc positions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in soil modeling and root data synthesis

[Ben Sulman]

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.*
https://jobs.ornl.gov/job/Oak-Ridge-Postdoctoral-Research-Associate-Multi-Assumption-Soil-Modeling-TN-37831/520379400/

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://github.com/walkeranthonyp/MAAT), 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.*

https://jobs.ornl.gov/job/Oak-Ridge-Postdoctoral-Research-Associate-Tropical-Root-Allocation-and-Function-TN-37831/520369500

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://forestgeo.si.edu/) and GEM (
   http://gem.tropicalforests.ox.ac.uk/) 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 at 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.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.ucar.edu/pipermail/es_jobs_net/attachments/20181126/3b269e8e/attachment.html>