Geospatial Hydrology Postdoctoral Researcher

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. The Earth and Environmental Sciences Division is looking for a Geospatial Hydrology Postdoctoral Researcher to primarily engage with the Atmosphere, Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Team. Team members will support and enrich your research and professional goals through their outstanding breadth and depth of expertise in the respective fields.

Research efforts associated with this position include working with a multi-disciplinary team of observational and computational hydrologists, geomorphologists and computer scientists in an effort to develop a global, network-based model of river connectivity by fusing various existing observational geospatial datasets. A flow routing scheme will be integrated into the river network model and validated with streamflow observations in order to assess flood risk under various climate scenarios. Your responsibilities will include:

• Fusing various geospatial datasets to create a vector representation of the Earth’s river systems, including major impacts like dams and diversions
• Using streamflow gage data to develop and validate a flow routing scheme for links of the network model
• Forcing the model with gridded earth systems simulations to explore flood risk projections or river flux dynamics at large scales

Requirements:

• Ph.D. earned no more than 5 years ago in earth science, computer science, civil engineering, climate science, geography or closely related field
• Experience in any of the following research areas: geospatial data assimilation and analysis, streamflow modeling, river fluxes or flood risk, watershed science or computer science
• Ability to work and communicate effectively in a diverse team environment
• Experience with raster (e.g. DEMs or satellite imagery) and vector (e.g. shapefiles) geospatial data
• Proficiency in a programming language
• Basic understanding of flow routing
• Self-motivation and creativity

Desired Skills:

• Experience with Python
• Publications in refereed journals and a history of successful research in collaborative team environments
• Experience developing flow routing models
• Exposure to network-based modeling of rivers systems
• Interest in exploiting remote sensing or “big” databases
• Knowledge of GIS-enabled relational databases

We Are Delivering Scientific Excellence

Los Alamos National Laboratory is more than a place to work. It is a catalyst for discovery, innovation and achievement. It’s one of the reasons we attract world-class talent who contribute greatly to our outstanding culture. Professional development, work/life balance and a diverse and inclusive team foster lasting career satisfaction. Our onsite cafeterias and medical, fitness and breastfeeding facilities, education assistance and generous compensation and benefits reflect our commitment to providing our people with all they need for personal and professional growth.
 

Apply now: Please send a curriculum vitae including names and contact information of three references, a one-page cover letter detailing qualifications and research interests and your earliest start date to Jon Schwenk at jschwenk@lanl.gov Please entitle the subject line “Global River Network Postdoc Search.” You will also need to submit your CV to https://lanl.jobs/los-alamos-nm/geospatial-hydrology-postdoctoral-researcher/3925DEF8CC384970A864E8A813A378DD/job/

lanl.gov/careers
 

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regards to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.