Postdoctoral Research Scientist, OAE Process-Model Testbed

About the role

This role operates at the intersection of ocean science and engineering, focusing on the creation of auditable simulation frameworks for ocean-based carbon dioxide removal. You will serve as a core architect of our testbed infrastructure, ensuring that every simulation can withstand independent scrutiny. The work centers on building the shared systems that allow ocean governance and research communities to trust and reuse model outputs. You will be responsible for translating high-level scientific objectives into rigorously defined model configurations that can be executed and verified by external partners. A key aspect of the position is to anticipate edge cases in data assimilation and to design workflows that prevent silent failures before they propagate. You will act as a bridge between algorithmic developers and domain scientists, ensuring that implementation details align with theoretical expectations. Ultimately, your contributions will define the reliability standards that determine whether stakeholders trust the testbed's outputs for critical decision-making.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute the development and maintenance of the OAE Process-Model Testbed in Boulder, ensuring alignment with Convergent Research quality standards.
• Ingest heterogeneous observational and model data streams, applying rigorous metadata standardization to protect the integrity of simulation inputs.
• Establish binding relationships between regional model configurations and executable workflows to guarantee traceability and replication capabilities.
• Design and implement systematic review routines that compare modeled outcomes against reference expectations to identify inconsistencies early.
• Package validated model versions for external distribution, attaching comprehensive documentation that enables independent replication by other research groups.
• Partner with domain scientists to align simulation designs with stakeholder priorities, surfacing hidden assumptions in regional setups and real-world constraints.
• Translate abstract scientific hypotheses into concrete, executable model configurations that test how varying forcing choices influence carbon flux patterns across ocean basins.
• Produce living documentation that captures configuration logic, workflow decisions, and known limitations for every iteration of the testbed.
• Support governance processes by generating transparent evidence that external reviewers can interrogate independently, creating robust audit trails.
• Operate command line environments, containerized tools, and versioned data pipelines to diagnose and resolve technical issues without direct supervision.
• Communicate complex methodologies in writing to produce concise narratives that remain unambiguous for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Maintain mastery of core competencies including Python, xarray, Dask, NetCDF, GitHub, Docker, workflow engines, and command line interfaces.
• Contribute immediately to complex simulation scenarios through hands-on experience with ocean biogeochemical models and carbon cycle diagnostics.
• Ensure that all simulation workflows adhere to the administrative and technical requirements specific to the Boulder, Colorado location.
• Act as a steward of reproducibility by enforcing strict version control and metadata practices across all testbed components.
• Identify risks in data assimilation and workflow design, implementing safeguards that prevent unverified assumptions from spreading through the system.
• Collaborate with the research community to adapt testbed features in response to emerging scientific and governance needs.
• Evaluate the long-term sustainability of simulation frameworks, proposing improvements that balance scientific rigor with practical constraints.

Requirements

• Hold a doctorate earned within the past three years in oceanography, climate science, or a closely related discipline.
• Have managed end-to-end simulations for a minimum of three years, demonstrating deep familiarity with regional model configurations and workflow systems.
• Be proficient with containerized tools and versioned data pipelines, navigating command line environments comfortably to diagnose and resolve technical issues.
• Communicate clearly in writing, producing concise narratives that remain unambiguous for both technical and non-technical readers.
• Possess a strong understanding of ocean biogeochemical processes and the diagnostics required to analyze carbon cycle dynamics.
• Demonstrate experience with Python, xarray, Dask, NetCDF, GitHub, Docker, workflow engines, and command line interfaces in professional contexts.
• Show a proven track record of managing complex scientific workflows from initial setup through final delivery of reproducible results.
• Exhibit the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced, governance-focused research environment.
• Maintain strict attention to metadata standards and documentation practices to ensure that simulations remain auditable and transparent.
• Align with the ethical and operational guidelines that govern ocean-based carbon dioxide removal research and modeling practices.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with ocean biogeochemical models and carbon cycle diagnostics allows for more immediate contributions to complex simulation scenarios.

Practical notes

Location Boulder, Colorado

Engagement Full Time

Term Limited

Compensation $80,000 per year