Postdoctoral Researcher - AmeriFlux Year of AI

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division seeks an innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to help lead the AmeriFlux Year of AI, a network-wide initiative exploring how AI and machine learning can advance ecosystem science and maximize the value of long-term ecosystem flux observations.

The researcher will join the AmeriFlux Management Project, which supports a network of eddy covariance sites measuring carbon, water, and energy exchanges between ecosystems and the atmosphere. Key responsibilities include coordinating workshops, seminars, and community events, and collaborating with the AmeriFlux data team to develop AI-enabled tools, data products, and services. The position also provides opportunities to conduct independent research using AmeriFlux’s extensive datasets.

Working alongside ecosystem scientists, data scientists, and software engineers, the successful candidate will collaborate with a broad research community. Trevor Keenan will serve as the primary advisor. This position is ideal for someone passionate about integrating AI and environmental science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing open science.

This position has an anticipated start date of March 1, 2027; but earlier or later dates will be considered.

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:

Coordinate AmeriFlux Year of AI activities, including workshops, seminars, webinars, and community events.

Collaborate with the AmeriFlux data team to develop AI/ML-enabled data products, tools, and workflows.

Engage with site teams, data users, and AI/ML researchers to identify network needs and opportunities.

Conduct independent research integrating AI/ML and flux observations to advance ecosystem science.

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

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

Collaborate with related efforts at Berkeley Lab and beyond, including FLUXNET and other flux networks, remote sensing, and Earth system modeling.

Contribute to the development and evaluation of AI tools, such as AI assistants, agents, or foundation models, that improve access to and use of flux data.

Help develop community resources, such as benchmark datasets, best-practice guidance, or training materials, for AI applications in ecosystem science.

We are looking for:

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

Demonstrated experience applying machine learning, statistical, or other data-driven methods to 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 eddy covariance data, flux networks (e.g., AmeriFlux, FLUXNET), or ecosystem carbon, water, and energy cycles.

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

Experience with modern AI approaches, such as deep learning, foundation models, large language models, or AI agents.

Participation in, or experience organizing, workshops, seminars, or other scientific community activities.

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

The position will remain open until filled. However, for full consideration, please apply by December 1, 2026 with the following application materials:

Cover Letter - Describe why you are interested in this particular position, in your own words, and how your experience relates to both its research and coordination aspects (1-2 pages).

Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publication list

PDFs of 1-3 of your relevant publications

Contact information for three references

Additional information:

Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, 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.