Postdoctoral Researcher in Uncertainty Analysis of Integrated Assessment Models
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, TN
ORNL11-53-ESD
Project Description:
The Environmental Sciences Division (ESD), http://www.esd.ornl.gov at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), http://www.ornl.gov has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral researcher to lead an exploratory research project involving the characterization and management of uncertainty within a regional climate change integrated assessment model (IAM) framework.
The position is funded by a five-year project entitled “Developing a Regional Integrated Assessment Model Framework” (Biological and Environmental Research, Office of Science, Department of Energy). The project is led by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) Joint Global Change Research Institute, with principle investigators at both ORNL and PNNL. This project is also part of the portfolio of research activity within the Oak Ridge Climate Change Science Institute (ORCCSI). As such, the candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to other ORCCSI projects in which issues of uncertainty feature prominently.
Annual salary depends on experience. The position will be based at ORCCSI in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. All travel expenses are provided. The position is for two years with the possibility of extending for up to three years.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will lead research efforts in the characterization and treatment of uncertainty within a regional climate change integrated assessment model. The candidate will develop an uncertainty ontology for regional IAMs and subsequently use this ontology to guide the investigation of mechanisms for characterizing different forms of uncertainty, their interactions, and their implications for interpretation and communication of model results. Key research elements include understanding uncertainties associated with model structure, model parameterization, spatial and temporal scaling, and the use of socioeconomic and policy scenarios. The objective of this work is the development of a comprehensive understanding of different types of uncertainty and how they can be evaluated and communicated to guide model development and stakeholder decision support. In addition, the successful candidate will be encouraged to explore novel mechanisms for model evaluation and uncertainty quantification.
Although the position will be based at ORNL, the successful candidate will be expected to work in close collaboration with research teams at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s sites in Richland, Washington and College Park, Maryland.
Qualifications:
A PhD in Engineering, Statistics, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences or Environmental Sciences is preferred, but the successful candidate will have a strong commitment to working on an inter-disciplinary team. Familiarity with integrated assessment modeling, Earth System Modeling, and/or economic modeling is required and strong preference will be given to candidates with skills in quantitative uncertainty analysis.
Applicants should have received their most recent degree within five years of the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.
How to Apply:
Qualified applicants must apply online at https://www2.orau.gov/ORNL_POST/. All applicants will need to register before they can begin the online application. For complete instructions, on how to apply, please see the instructions at http://www.orau.gov/orise/edu/ornl/ornl-pdpm/application.htm.
This appointment is offered through the ORNL Postgraduate Research Participation Program and is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). The program is open to all qualified U.S. and non-U.S. citizens without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or disabled veteran.