Postdoctoral Scholar, Gurney Lab

NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.

This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.

Join an exciting Northern Arizona University research team (https://gurneylab.nau.edu/) in beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona doing cutting-edge research on quantifying GHG emissions at multiple scales from the building to the globe. This research aims to build a multiscale (city to globe) high-resolution GHG emissions model using a machine learning approach. This will complement the existing emissions modeling systems (Vulcan - https://vulcan.rc.nau.edu/ and Hestia – https://hestia.rc.nau.edu) developed in NAU’s Gurney Lab over the past 20 years.

Candidates must have received a PhD in a field related to the positions (spanning Computer Science, Informatics, Civil Engineering, Physics, Ecological/Environmental Sciences, Atmospheric Science, Data Science, Geography) from an accredited college or university. The applicant will be expected to publish peer-reviewed journal articles and work in a team environment, effectively communicating with the research team. This position will also require supervision of a small research team.

Job duties include data collection and pre-processing of ML model input data (remotely sensed, infrastructure, atmospheric data, etc), developing/improving machine learning model for flux estimation, testing, different models, creating diagnostics for different models and input data sets. Postdoctoral scientist will be responsible for producing a high-resolution native resolution and regular gridded output and will also supervise a graduate student(s) and/or a small team in assisting in aspects of the project.

Job Function and Duties

Research and Publication - 50%

• Data collection and pre-processing of ML model input data (remotely sensed, infrastructure, atmospheric data, etc), developing/improving machine learning model for flux estimation, testing, different models, creating diagnostics for different models and input data sets.
• Postdoctoral scientist will be responsible for producing a high-resolution native resolution and regular gridded output.
• Review literature and identify appropriate approaches and develop peer-reviewed publications reflecting research outcomes.

Software Development - 30%

• Development of new codebase environment that encompasses data ingestion, pre-processing, machine learning, and structured output.

Outreach and Communication - 10%

• Outreach and communication of results at scientific meetings.

Co PI Responsiblities - 5%

• Postdoc is anticipated to contribute to proposals, ideally as a co-PI.

Other duties as assigned - 5%

• Supervision of graduate student research and other team members.

• PhD or equivalent doctorate in relevant field is required (e.g. Computer Science, Informatics, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Data Science) from an accreditated university by the date of appointment.

• Experience in Multiyear numerical analysis
• Minimum of three years experience in use of machine learning in science applications
• Minimum of two years experience in use of remote sensing products (trace gas, land cover, optical/IR)
• Multiyear R and/or Python Programming
• Mutiyear experience wokring with remote sensing data products
• Experience working in Linux environment with high performance computer
• Experience workign in a team environment with shared workflow (code, data, analysis)
• Experience with infrastructure/energy data
• Experience in quantification of GHG emissions

• Knowledge of working with GHG flux reporting/quanitification and analysis
• Use of GIS in context of urban data such as building layers, road layers, and other infrastructural or socio-demographic data
• Development, authorship, and understanding of medium-size R scripts
• Maintenance of organized computational workflow and data environment with documentation
• Strong motivation towards urban GHG/AQ quantification and science, policy application
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in team environment with shared workflow

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States. Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Anticipated salary range is $58,882 - $73,434. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

Post-Doctoral Scholars are hired on a contract basis, renewable each fiscal year for a maximum of 4 renewals (5 years) according to terms of the Arizona Board of Regents' Conditions of Post-Doctoral Service. NAU offers an excellent benefit package to Post-Doctoral Scholars including generous health, dental and vision insurance; 10 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified family members. New employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date. Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits. Participation in NAU retirement plans is not available to Post-Doctoral Scholars. More information on benefits at NAU is available at the NAU HR benefits page.

Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development. New employee on-boarding training includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days.

April 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the Human Resources website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

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