Job Description

Carnegie Institution Science Department of Global Ecology (DGE) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at its Stanford Campus. Founded in 2002, scientists at DGE conduct basic and applied research into the interactions among the Earth’s ecosystems and people. The Carnegie Institution has a deep commitment to scientific excellence and diversity; we strongly encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.

Selected fellow(s) will join a highly collaborative and productive team of scientists aimed at developing information that can help address climate challenges . This work will be performed under the guidance of Dr. Ken Caldeira , a Senior Scientist with Breakthrough Energy and Senior Scientist (Emeritus) with Carnegie Institution for Science.

We have broad support for research aimed at helping humans to live sustainably on this planet in the face of climate change, but not every project need fall under this rubric. We have the ability, but not the necessity, to hire additional postdocs who will be a good fit for our group. Successful candidates will be open to addressing a wide range of issues, have good mathematical skills, have experience performing numerical simulations and/or analyzing data, be creative, and be good at completing projects. Postdoctoral Fellows typically lead projects and help out on other projects. Peer-reviewed publication of results in high-quality journals is the norm.

Our group approaches problems from the standpoint of the physical sciences, but we consider factors such as economics and equity. We try to do stylized groundbreaking work, leaving the infilling of detail to others. Examples of recent investigation s include integrated assessment modeling of the value of climate-tech innovation, solar geoengineering, macro-energy-systems modeling, climate effects of aircraft contrails, predictive skill of learning curves, and the global distribution of energy use .

Postdoctoral Fellows at DGE have access to valuable research resources to launch successful scientific careers in academia and industry. Research resources include technical support staff, research equipment, and computing/IT resources. Opportunities to partner with other DGE scientists may also be available depending on Fellow(s)’ interests. DGE seeks to provide a culture of mentoring and professional development for all postdoctoral scientists; funding is available for travel to scientific conferences; additional professional development/training programs are offered internally.

Multiple positions are available with flexible start dates to begin within 18 months of this posting. Initial appointments are for 1 year, with possible renewal up to 4 years. Carnegie offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. In addition, a budget is available to partially reimburse relocation expenses for successful candidates and their immediate families.

Responsibilities: 

• Work closely and collaboratively with other scientists to design, implement, analyze and summarize innovative research to inform climate and energy decision-making;
• 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 the physical sciences or engineering;
• Excellent mathematical skills and basic computer programming;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Evidence of ability to work independently and in teams;
• Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace.

Informal inquiries and questions about these positions should be directed to Ken Caldeira (e-mail: kcaldeira@carnegiescience.edu ). Applications will only be considered when submitted through our application portal (see blue bar below). Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references.

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.

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