Grid Resilience to Extreme Weather - Postdoctoral Researcher

Company Description

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on the simulation of extreme weather events to test the robustness of the electricity grid. You will conduct research in areas including but not limited to: large initial condition ensembles to simulate extreme events (ensemble boosting), high-resolution dynamical downscaling, new approaches for the simulation of extreme events with deep learning weather models and evaluating the stability of the electricity grid under extreme weather conditions.

This position is in the Climate Sensitivity and Impacts Group within the Atmospheric, Earth, and Energy Division, and in close collaboration with the Infrastructure Disaster Resilience Program.

Note: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.

Pay Range

$118,884 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Job Description

You Will:

• Conduct original research in the field of electricity grid infrastructure resilience.
• Design, produce, and analyze extreme event simulations using physics- and deep learning-based Earth system models at varying spatial scales.
• Publish research results in technical reports and peer-reviewed journals and present technical results at scientific conferences.
• Travel as required to coordinate research with collaborators.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in Atmospheric Science or closely related field.
• Experience conducting research in atmospheric science or closely related field.
• Experience performing and analyzing Earth system model simulations such as those collected in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project.
• Experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas: climate modeling, numerical weather prediction, deep learning and/or surrogate modeling, dynamical downscaling, electricity grid analysis and modeling, analysis of extreme weather events.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills as evidenced by peer reviewed publications and presentations.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with a team of scientists of diverse backgrounds and ability to travel to coordinate research with collaborators.

Qualifications We Desire

• Demonstrated experience and proficiency working with large Earth system datasets using Python
• Demonstrated experience using high-performance computing systems.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

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If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

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