What You Will Do
The Climate, Ecosystems, and Environment Group (EES-14) of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division seeks a skilled and motivated Post-master’s student to support the Next Generation Ecosystem Experiment – Arctic (NGEE-Arctic) research at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The EES-14 interdisciplinary group addresses important questions and challenges related to climate and national security issues on regional to global scales by integrating observations, experiments, and data-driven modeling across the earth system, with particular focus on hydrology for our team. The successful candidate will collaboratively perform research with scientists on the multidisciplinary NGEE-Artic project to understand the impacts of climate change on Arctic landscapes and ecosystems. Topics of research may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Land surface dynamics, soil and hillslope mechanics
- Modeling of surface hydrology and snow processes in the Arctic
- Remote sensing of landscape characteristics using optical satellite collections
- Arctic landscape and ecosystem changes related to permafrost thaw
- Machine learning (ML) and environmental datasets
- Earth systems models (ESM)
Your job duties may include the following:
- Collaborate with scientists to develop canopy height models from high-resolution, optical satellite platforms
- Learn to develop machine learning models to develop better parameterizations for ESMs
- Conduct geospatial analysis with QGIS on Arctic ecosystem datasets
- Support modeling, data analysis, and fieldwork operations across the NGEE Arctic project at LANL with multiple scientists and teams
The postmaster’s student will receive significant training for successful completion of job duties. We will support and enrich your research and professional goals through our inclusive culture and outstanding breadth and depth of expertise in multiple fields.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
• Ability to work on a team to accomplish shared tasks, balance multiple project priorities, and efficiently manage time.
• Exhibit interest in learning new skills and concepts.
• Previous classes that used programming in the coursework.
• Ability to use GIS to generate maps and conduct spatial analysis.
Education: A Master’s degree in Geography, Earth Sciences, GIS Science, Computer Sciences, Hydrology, Atmospheric and Climatic Studies, Environmental Sciences, Meteorology, or some other closely related discipline. Eligibility is limited to students who have completed a master’s degree within the past 3 years, and have not yet been accepted into another master’s program or PhD program.
Desired Qualifications:
• Familiarity or experience with LiDAR point cloud manipulation.
• Proficiency with a programming language (Python, R, Matlab, C/C++, Javascript, etc.)
• Willingness to co-develop landscape evolution models with scientists.
• Knowledge of multiple computing environments (standalone Mac/Linux, networked servers, High Performance Computing)
• Experience deriving remote sensing indices from satellite imagery.
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
We encourage applications from underrepresented job seekers; please let us know if you require special accommodation to fully participate in our recruitment experience. Please provide a CV and a comprehensive cover letter that includes a list of references and their contact information. Your cover letter should explain your interest in the position and highlight how your experience and skills will contribute to the NGEE-Arctic team and fulfill the minimum job requirements and some of the desired qualifications. (Applicants are not expected to meet all desired qualifications.) In addition to applying online, applicants may email questions and/or their application package to Dr. Evan Thaler (thaler@lanl.gov). Selected candidates will be contacted for telephone interviews starting in May of 2023.
Where You Will Work
Located innorthern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is amultidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalfof national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safetyand reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies toreduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems relatedto energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.
Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page.
Equal Opportunity: 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 regard 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.
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Employment Status
