Water System Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s (LBNL) Climate & Ecosystems Division within the Earth and Environmental Sciences Area (EESA) is seeking a Water System Postdoc. In this role, you will focus on understanding water infrastructure systems and their management under changing environmental and compounding stressors. Using data analysis and modeling methods, you will evaluate vulnerabilities in water systems and identify future adaptation strategies in response to shifting environmental extremes, growing demand pressures, and land use changes.

You will primarily contribute to two high-impact projects: analyzing the water use of data centers and assessing its impact on water resources through a Lab Directed Research & Development (LDRD) project, and developing/analyzing water system models for the Pacific West under drought scenarios as part of the HyperFACETS project. You may also contribute to emerging research efforts focused on water systems science and resilience as part of the National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI). In addition to conducting sophisticated modeling and decision analytics under uncertainty, you will actively engage with diverse stakeholders and resource managers to translate operational contexts into actionable scientific insights. Therefore, the ability to communicate with multiple professional communities such as water managers, environmental engineers, Earth scientists, and social scientists is required. 

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:

• Develop and apply models of water systems to understand their vulnerabilities, hazards, and implications of alternative management options

• Analyze model outputs and observed data to understand model performance, evaluate key sensitivities, quantify uncertainties, and support decision analysis

• Engage with water and energy resource managers in working group discussions to refine analysis of Pacific West water system models under drought and other hydroclimatic scenarios.

• Communicate research findings effectively across diverse professional and scientific communities oral presentations, scientific meetings, technical discussions, and peer-reviewed publications.

• Work effectively in an integrated, interdisciplinary, and multi-institutional research environment

We are looking for:

• Recent PhD in Environmental Sciences/Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, or other related technical discipline

• Knowledge of state-of-the-art water infrastructure modeling tools and data sources

• Knowledge of current Earth and climate modeling capabilities and limitations

• Familiarity with theoretical frameworks for multi-sectoral management of resources and decision-making in the context of uncertainty

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability to work effectively in an integrated team environment and ability to collaborate with colleagues at multiple institutions

• Demonstrated ability to publish research in peer-reviewed journals.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience engaging with and facilitating discussions with practitioners at resource management organizations

• Experience with the WEAP water systems model and/or Pywr water systems model

Additional information:

• Application date: 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.