The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) of Columbia University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist focusing on grassland soil carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling. The successful candidate will design, parameterize, and implement a high-performance computing (HPC) platform-based modeling system which leverages remote sensing imagery, field measurements, and survey datasets with both machine learning and process-based models. The candidate will investigate climate and management effects on carbon sequestration, soil water dynamics, soil health, GHG emissions, wildlife biodiversity, and related ecosystem service outcomes to inform grassland management decisions at various scales. The candidate is expected to prepare high-quality publications and gain experience in proposal writing. The position will be based at the LDEO campus in Palisades, NY in Prof. Yushu Xia's Soil Systems Research Group. The candidate will work with a highly collaborative research team from LDEO, National Audubon Society, Woodwell Climate Research Center, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Additionally, the candidate will engage with stakeholders and land managers through large-scale conservation programs, such as Audubon's Conservation Ranching (ACR) program.

Candidates should have recently completed or be nearing completion of a PhD in environmental data science, soil science, earth system science, ecology, remote sensing, computer science, or closely related field. The candidate should have demonstrated knowledge of terrestrial carbon cycling, calibration and validation of large-scale geospatial models, as well as strong data science (geospatial anaylsis, HPC and cloud computing) and coding (R, Python, Google Earth Engine) skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to network and collaborate, are also key to the success of this LDEO Postdoctoral Research Scientist position. Prior experience in digital soil mapping, soil health assessment, process-based soil modeling, and decision support tool development is strongly recommended.

The initial appointment will be for 1 year with an expected second-year continuation contingent on progress and funding. Tentative start date is January 1, 2025, with some flexibility. 

The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will continue until the position is filled. 

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.

The Lamont campus values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from members of underrepresented minority groups.

We accept online applications only. 

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University?s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

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