Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, seeks an innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to lead and coordinate research syntheses using AmeriFlux’s extensive, long-term data holdings. Research areas may include water and energy balance, scaling and modeling, land–atmosphere interactions, and plant productivity and carbon fluxes.

You will join the AmeriFlux Management Project, supporting a network of 700+ eddy covariance sites measuring carbon, water, and energy exchanges across the Americas. Responsibilities include leading research syntheses, publishing peer-reviewed papers, presenting at scientific conferences, and coordinating community activities such as workshops, webinars, and working groups. The candidate will also collaborate with the AmeriFlux data team to develop and evaluate data products, tools, and services.

Working alongside ecosystem scientists, data scientists, and software engineers at Berkeley Lab, you will engage with a broad international community of scientists, modelers, and AI/ML researchers. The primary advisor is Housen Chu.This position offers an exciting opportunity to advance ecosystem science through large-scale data synthesis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and open science. 

This position has an anticipated start date of March 1, 2027.

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:

• Lead research syntheses using long-term AmeriFlux data to advance understanding of ecosystem–atmosphere interactions.

• Coordinate research synthesis activities, including workshops, webinars, working groups, and community events.

• Engage with AmeriFlux researchers and partners to identify research needs and priorities.

• Communicate findings through publications, presentations, reports, newsletters, and web content.

• Contribute to grant proposals and project progress reports.

• Collaborate with Berkeley Lab, FLUXNET, regional flux networks, and related research programs.

• Work with the AmeriFlux data team to develop and test data products, tools, workflows, and research support services.

We are looking for:

• Recent Ph.D. in ecology, Earth science, environmental science, atmospheric science, data science, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience applying statistical, machine learning, or other data-driven methods to analyze large-scale scientific data.

• Experience working with large, complex datasets, such as environmental time series, remote sensing, or model output.

• Strong communication and organizational skills, including the ability to engage with diverse scientific audiences.

• A record of scientific productivity, demonstrated through publications or other research outputs.

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

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Familiarity with flux networks (e.g., AmeriFlux, FLUXNET), or ecosystem carbon, water, and energy cycles.

• Experience with eddy covariance technique, measurements, and data processing and analyses

• Proficiency in Python, R, or similar languages, and experience with reproducible research software practices (e.g., version control, open-source development).

• Experience in organizing workshops, seminars, or other scientific community activities.

• Interest in open and team science, data stewardship, and FAIR data principles.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 23, 2026. 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.