[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral Opportunities in Carbon Data Assimilation and Terrestrial Ecosystem Research at University of Maryland

[Christine Wiedinmyer]

Postdoctoral Opportunities in Carbon Data Assimilation and Terrestrial 
Ecosystem Research

The Joint Global Change Research Institute (JGCRI) of the Pacific 
Northwest National Laboratory, and the Department of Atmosphere and 
Ocean Sciences at the University of Maryland, College Park campus seek 
two Post Doctoral Associates to conduct research on; 1) the development 
and application of an atmosphere-land carbon cycle data assimilation 
system that applies advanced data assimilation techniques to quantify 
major uncertainties in global carbon sources and sinks from local to 
global scales; and 2) biosphere-atmosphere interactions including 
characterizing changes in terrestrial ecosystems and carbon cycle, and 
the implication of such changes on functioning of these ecosystems and 
the services we derive from them. Both research themes will employ a 
combination of observations, models and analysis to understand, quantify 
and document changes to these systems. The research results will be 
published in peer reviewed open literature, and will be also made 
available to decision makers and practitioners for their use. These are 
full-time appointments with benefits.

The envisioned research will include a variety of observational datasets 
including flask CO2 and FLUXNET measurements, space-based observations 
from GOSAT and soon-to-be launched Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 
satellite, land-cover and land-use dynamic information from MODIS and 
Thematic Mapper TM sensors on Terra, Aqua and Landsat satellites 
together with a coupled atmosphere transport and land carbon cycle 
model. The results will be analyzed to delineate ecosystem and carbon 
cycle dynamics in response to natural variability and anthropogenic 
perturbations, seasonal and decadal changes in these systems, and 
develop attributes that allow better characterization of such changes in 
time and space. In addition, we intend to use this coupled assimilation 
system to assess the attributes of current and future observing systems, 
long-term data sets, and carbon cycle models toward the development of 
future carbon monitoring systems.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years from an 
accredited college or university. All applicants must be able to 
demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences, 
ecosystems, geography, climate science, remote sensing, computer 
science, applied physics and mathematics or a related field.

Familiarity with modeling and data assimilation and analysis, and remote 
sensing of ecosystems is required. Background in atmospheric and/or 
terrestrial ecosystems modeling is desirable. Excellent written and oral 
communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment are 
also necessary. Please include a cover letter with names of references, 
and a resume.

Successful candidates are expected to be able to communicate across 
disciplines (ecosystems, atmospheric sciences, data assimilation, Earth 
system modeling, and remote sensing science) boundaries and interact 
with other team members. The successful candidates will be mentored by 
Professors Eugenia Kalnay, Ghassem Asrar, and Ning Zeng. The posts are 
available immediately but starting date is negotiable. Salary will be 
commensurate with experience and skill of successful candidates. For 
further clarification, please contact one of the following individuals: 
N. Zeng (zeng at umd.edu), E. Kalnay (ekalnay at atmos.umd.edu), G. Asrar 
(Ghassem.Asrar at pnnl.gov).

Additional information for the organizations involved can be found at:

Dept. of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science and Earth System Science 
Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland (www.atmos.umd.edu)

The Joint Global Change Research Institute, Pacific Northwest National 
Lab, US Department of Energy (www.globalchange.umd.edu)


PostDocs_PostionDescription

-- 
Prof. Ning Zeng
Dept. of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science and
Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center     Phone: +1 301-405-5377
University of Maryland                          Fax: +1 301-314-9482
2417 Computer and Space Sciences Building    Email:zeng at atmos.umd.edu
College Park, MD  20742-2425, USAhttp://www.atmos.umd.edu/~zeng
"Earth System Dynamics"http://www.earth-system-dynamics.net/





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