Postdoctoral Associate Position: Integrated Modeling of Energy-Water-Land Systems in a Decarbonizing World at University of Maryland, USA

The University of Maryland (UMD) invites applications for a postdoctoral associate position focused on decision-driven integrated assessment modeling and analysis of the future co-evolution of energy-water-land (EWL) systems across scales in a decarbonizing world. To inform strategic multi-sector decision making and planning around decarbonization, the postdoc will explore methods for coupling integrated assessment models (of global climate-land-energy-water systems) with regional energy or water planning models (e.g., at the scale of grid regions or river basins). The postdoc will contribute to stakeholder-engaged decarbonization planning and decision-making applications in Latin America.

The position is available as early as June 2024 and will include a highly competitive salary and benefits. The postdoc will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Thomas B. Wild at UMD’s Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC), as well as Dr. Kamal Chowdhury (ESSIC) and Dr. Gokul Iyer (UMD Center for Global Sustainability, CGS). However, the postdoc will also be part of an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional team, including researchers from the NEXO-UA project (https://nexo-ua.umd.edu). There will also be opportunities to contribute to climate policy-oriented projects at UMD’s CGS (https://www.cgs.umd.edu/) during the first year, with increasing opportunities to engage in CGS projects in following years.

Job Description

The postdoc will explore the co-evolution of EWL systems under key future forces of global change, including climate change impacts, climate mitigation policies (i.e., transition to low-carbon), socio-economic growth, and socio-environmental conservation needs. EWL system dynamics will be studied for multiple regions and river basins in Latin America within a global context. The investigations will be based on an integrated assessment model (GCAM) coupled with sectoral models, such as power system models (e.g., GridPath) or large-scale hydrological models.

Desired Qualifications

We seek candidates with experience in multi-sector and/or multi-scale modeling, especially in the context of decarbonization. For example, this could include application of integrated assessment models (e.g., GCAM), power systems models (e.g., *G*ridPath), or coupled energy-water models. Strong computational skills are highly desirable, particularly experience in Python and/or R. Experience in high performance computing is also a plus. Successful candidates are expected to be highly motivated, have strong communication skills in oral and written English, and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Application

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to Dr. Thomas B. Wild (twild@umd.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately. For best consideration, please submit materials no later than June 15, 2024.