Department: DGE – Global Ecology

Salary: $82,467

Location: Stanford, CA

Researchers at the Carnegie Institution for Science are seeking up to three creative, collaborative postdoctoral scholars to advance understanding of land-surface mediated Earth system feedbacks. These fellows will be part of the soon-to-be-launched MC³ 4 Earth Center, a collaborative joint center bringing together the Carnegie Institution for Science, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, California Institute of Technology, and Columbia University. 

The MC³ 4 Earth Center is dedicated to redefining the frontiers in modeling, analyzing, and predicting the complex dynamics of Earth’s land surfaces and their interactions within the broader climate system. We emphasize the integration of process-based models with empirical constraints  from advanced in situ and spaceborne Earth observations. Our commitment extends to training the next generation of Earth scientists, equipping them with state-of-the-art computing skills (including ML and AI), coupled with comprehensive knowledge of land surface processes, for them to become leaders and innovators in this critical field.

Successful candidates will work with Carnegie Global Ecology faculty engaged in the MC³ 4 Earth center (Drs. Joe Berry, Jeff Dukes, Anna Michalak, Lorenzo Rosa) as well as collaborators at the other center institutions to dramatically enhance our capabilities in analyzing, modeling, and forecasting the dynamics of Earth’s land surface. Fellows will design and conduct cutting-edge research, publish results in peer-reviewed journals, and present results at scientific conferences.  Fellows will be based on-site in Carnegie’s Global Ecology building, on the campus of Stanford University.

We anticipate that Fellows will be co-mentored across at least two of the Carnegie research groups engaged in the MC³ 4 Earth center. There will be flexibility regarding scientific questions to be studied within the broad scope of the center and the diverse interests of the participating faculty, and especially the creative insight of the fellows. 

Postdoctoral Fellows at Carnegie have access to valuable research resources to launch successful scientific careers in academic, private sector, or government positions. Research resources include technical support staff, research equipment, and computing/IT resources. We seek to provide a culture of mentoring and professional development for all postdoctoral scientists; additional professional development/training programs are offered internally.

Responsibilities: 

• Work closely and collaboratively with other scientists to design, implement, analyze and summarize innovative research;
• Publish results in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals; 
• Present results at conferences and seminars. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. in any scientific or engineering discipline with a grounding in ecology, hydrology, earth and environmental science, or related field;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Strong quantitative analysis skills;
• Evidence of ability to work independently and in teams;
• Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace. 

Multiple positions are available with flexible start dates in 2024. Although initial appointments are for one year, the positions are renewable and postdocs in the group usually stay for two to three years. Carnegie offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. 

Applications will only be considered when submitted through our application portal. Applicants are required to submit a CV, cover letter, a one to two page statement of research interests, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references. The research statement should describe possible lines of inquiry aligned with the candidate’s interests and expertise as well as those of the Carnegie faculty engaged in the center. Please email mc3postdocs@carnegiescience.edu with any questions about the positions. Review of applications will begin July 15, 2024 and will be ongoing thereafter.

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse research community and we encourage applications by members of all underrepresented groups.