Postdoctoral Associate – Center for Sustainability Science & Strategy / AGAGE at MIT135 Views

style="text-align: justify;">The Postdoctoral Associate will:

• • Analyze AGAGE observational data to infer emissions, transport, loss, and mechanisms of greenhouse and ozone-depleting gases.
  • Apply forward and inverse modeling using three-dimensional atmospheric chemistry and circulation models.
  • Use advanced statistical techniques (for example, Bayesian methods, Markov Chain Monte Carlo) to solve both forward and inverse problems.
  • Quantify radiative forcing by these trace gases and assess their influence on ozone depletion at sub-national, national, and global levels.
  • Collaborate with experimental teams, integrate measurement datasets, and validate models.
  • Prepare manuscripts, present results at scientific meetings, and contribute to interdisciplinary sustainability and climate science efforts.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• • Ph.D. in atmospheric physics, atmospheric chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
  • Demonstrated experience with three-dimensional atmospheric chemical transport modeling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work integrating observations with models to estimate sources and sinks of trace gases (inverse modeling).
• Proficiency with statistical inference techniques (e.g., Bayesian, MCMC).
• Capacity to manage large datasets and apply computational tools for atmospheric science.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interdisciplinary publication and collaboration.

Research Context and Scientific Goals

This position is part of AGAGE’s ongoing mission, which involves precise, long-term observations of trace atmospheric gases, contributing to our understanding of global climate forcing and chemical change. The

research combines:

• • Observational science, leveraging measurement stations worldwide for high-precision gas concentrations.
  • Modeling and transport to understand how gases move through the atmosphere and how emissions, deposition, and decay affect their distributions.
  • Inverse methods, which work backwards from observations to deduce emissions, loss rates, and unknown sources.

Understanding these mechanisms is critical for policy, climate mitigation, and ozone protection strategies. This role will directly contribute to quantifying human impacts on climate and atmosphere.

Benefits and Working Environment

• • Competitive salary and a generous benefits package typical of postdoctoral researchers at MIT.
  • Access to MIT’s world-class computational resources, datasets, labs, and collaborative networks.
  • Strong mentoring from experienced faculty including Professor Ronald G. Prinn and Dr. Luke Western.
  • A diverse, inclusive research culture that encourages collaboration across departments, institutions, and disciplines.
  • Opportunities for international travel and conference participation to present research outcomes.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit:

1. 1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, research accomplishments, and publications.
   2. A brief statement of research interests indicating how their background aligns with AGAGE and CS3 goals.
   3. Contact information for three letters of recommendation.

Applications should be sent electronically to Professor Ronald

G. Prinn and Dr. Luke Western, at the emails given in the job posting. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any experience with inverse modeling or related statistical methods.

Deadlines and Timing

• • Applications are being considered immediately, with selection expected to begin soon after the posting.
  • Ideal start dates will be discussed during the hiring phase, depending on candidate availability.
  • The pay range disclosed is current; MIT reviews compensation based on experience and risk factors such as relocation or visa status.

Why This Role Matters

This opportunity offers more than just a postdoctoral position. It presents a chance to:

• • Contribute to global efforts to quantify greenhouse gas emissions and their climatic impacts.
  • Advance technical skills in modeling, statistics, and atmospheric chemistry.
  • Join a high-visibility project that informs climate policy and ozone protection efforts.
  • Build a publication record, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and expand professional networks.

These experiences can support future roles in academia, regulatory science, climate modeling institutions, or international policy bodies.

How to Stand Out in Your Application

To enhance your chances:

• • Showcase any work already done with atmospheric transport or chemistry models.
  • Describe specific experience with inverse modeling or data assimilation methods.
  • Include examples of collaboration with experimental measurement teams.
  • Highlight computational skills: programming languages, high-performance computing, data processing.
  • Ensure your research statement is focused, novel, and aligns clearly with AGAGE / CS3 research goals.

Summary & Takeaway

The Postdoctoral Associate position at MIT’s Center for Sustainability Science & Strategy / AGAGE is an exceptional research opportunity for candidates with strong modeling, statistical, and atmospheric science expertise. With competitive compensation, international collaboration, and substantial scientific impact, this role suits researchers aiming to advance climate science and policy.

If you have the qualifications and passion for interpreting atmospheric data, applying inverse modeling, and contributing to pressing sustainability science, this position offers an excellent platform to make a difference.

Here’s a quick summary table for the MIT Postdoctoral Associate – Center for Sustainability Science & Strategy / AGAGE opening. It condenses all critical details in a structured way:

Quick Summary Table

Feature	Details
Program Name	Postdoctoral Associate – Center for Sustainability Science & Strategy / AGAGE
Host Institution	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Department/Unit	Center for Sustainability Science & Strategy (CS3) & AGAGE collaboration
Employment Type	Full-Time Postdoctoral Research Position
Location	In-person, MIT campus
Salary Range	$71,000 – $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Eligibility	Ph.D. in Atmospheric Physics, Atmospheric Chemistry, or related discipline
Preferred Skills	3D atmospheric modeling, inverse modeling, Bayesian/MCMC methods, large datasets, statistical inference
Research Focus	Greenhouse and ozone-depleting gases, transport, emissions, radiative forcing, climate impact analysis
Key Responsibilities	Data-model integration, forward/inverse modeling, collaboration with AGAGE experimentalists, publication, presentation, mentorship
Benefits	MIT postdoc benefits, research resources, mentoring, international collaboration, professional development
Application Materials	CV, research statement, cover letter, 3 recommendation contacts
Deadline	Applications reviewed immediately; pool open until filled
Official Website	Click here

 

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