Postdoctoral Research Scientist

The Center for Climate Systems Research (CCSR) at Columbia University's Climate School invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position. The postdoc will help to develop an agent-based model (ABM) and to use the model to investigate the tradeoffs between different menus of flood adaptation strategies under a range of flood hazard scenarios and socio-economic, physical, and governance conditions. The postdoc may also help to analyze primary and secondary data on flood impacts and human responses to flooding in order to inform the model. Mental models of vulnerability and adaptation to flooding co-developed with partner communities will also inform the ABM.

The postdoc will work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists who are collaborating closely with four communities in order to co-develop flood adaptation plans in those communities. Based on the comparative study of the four communities, we will develop a decision framework that localities beyond the study area can use to understand tradeoffs between different flood adaptation strategies with respect to meeting multiple community objectives, over various time horizons, and to develop adaptation plans. The project will provide experience with implementing interdisciplinary, decision-relevant research in close collaboration with decision makers who may use the research results. The postdoc will gain exposure to the research being done under the auspices of two NOAA-funded Climate Adaptation Programs, which work with a broad range of decision makers along the Atlantic coast on adapting to and mitigating climate change. The postdoc will develop skills in systems modeling and in data analysis for model development. S/he will interact with scientists from multiple disciplines and decision makers from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. The postdoc will work under the supervision of Dr. Malgosia Madajewicz in CCSR, while having the opporutnity to interact with several research teams.

• A PhD - multiple fields can be relevant to this position including statistics, applied mathematics, engineering, and others.
• Experience with developing and application of systems models.
• Familiarity with a programming language than can be used for systems modeling such as Python or Julia.
• Strong attention to detail. Strong communication skills and interest in working within an interdisciplinary team, on applied research, in the service of improving community-level outcomes, programs, and policies.

The following skills are desirable:

• Experience with data analysis and data analysis and visualization software (R, Matlab, Stata, or other).
• Familiarity with using mental models to inform ABM development.
• Familiarity with climate change and climate adaptation frameworks.
• Experience interacting with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

The position will be posted for a least 30 days after the ad appears and will continue until the position is filled.

This is a full-time position with funding currently in place for 1 year. Continuation will be contingent on performance and funding.

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.