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Multiple Research Positions available at Boston College
and the GCP Boston Office
The newly established Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability (CES3) and the Global Carbon Project (GCP) Boston Office at Boston College (BC) are seeking candidates for three exceptional positions: one research scientist and two postdoctoral researchers (details provided below). The Center's research supports key initiatives, including the GCP's global assessments of nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon budgets, RECCAP3-Nations, Nitrogen/N2O Model Intercomparison Project (NMIP), Land-Ocean- Aquatic Continuum (LOAC), the Global Stocktake, Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), Agri-Food System Assessment, and Nature-based Climate Solutions.
These positions offer a unique opportunity for early-career scientists to collaborate with leading experts from the Center and GCP community, advancing their careers in studying global carbon and nitrogen cycles, Greenhouse Gases Monitoring, Accounting, and Predicting (GHG-MAP), modeling and remote sensing of terrestrial ecosystems, and conducting translational research that bridges fundamental science and climate solutions. Successful candidates will have access to state-of-the-art modeling tools, ground-based and satellite data, and advanced machine learning technologies.
Salaries are commensurate with experience, and the start date is negotiable, with a preference for an immediate start. We encourage you to apply. Please see additional details below and submit the following materials: 1) A cover letter outlined your research interest and qualification, 2) your CV, 3) DOI links to two representative publications, and 4) The names and contact information of three referees.
- For the Research Scientist position, please submit your application through the BC job board: https://bc.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home/requisition/9390?c=bc
- For the postdoctoral positions, please send your application to: Prof. Hanqin Tian (Inaugural Director) at email: hanqin.tian@bc.edu and Prof. Susan Pan (Research Director) at email: panshu@bc.edu
- For the Ph.D. program application, please visit the Graduate Program page for the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) at Boston College. The dissertation research generally aligns with the broad themes outlined in Prof. Hanqin Tian's Faculty Profile
Position 1: Research Scientist
We are looking for an experienced Research Scientist to lead the development and implementation of a datadriven platform that integrates models, remote sensing, machine learning, and in-situ data to support research within the CES3 and GCP Boston Office. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of excellence in research, a strong ability to develop competitive grant proposals, and a demonstrated capacity to manage projects efficiently, driving forward research initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a data-driven integrated platform for evaluating near-real-time to decadal GHG fluxes and supporting integrated assessments of climate impacts and mitigation efforts.
- Advance research programs by developing competitive grant proposals.
- Manage ongoing projects and ensure timely tracking of progress.
- Coordinate collaborative efforts across internal and external partners, including GCP community.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Earth System Science, Ecosystem Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field, with early-career experience (within 8 years after completing the Ph.D.).
- With a track record of proposal development and project management.
- Proficiency in remote sensing data analysis and terrestrial ecosystem or atmospheric modeling.
- Experience with environmental data analysis and machine learning frameworks.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and collaborative skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with high-performance computing and large datasets.
- Strong understanding of climate policy frameworks and data communication tools.
Position 2: Postdoctoral Researcher — Remote Sensing and AI for climate and sustainability solutions
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to apply remote sensing and AI (machine learning and deep learning) techniques for monitoring, assessing, and predicting environmental changes and their impacts on ecosystem dynamics, carbon and nitrogen cycles, GHG emissions, food and water security across various land systems. This research will support the development and implementation of a data-driven decision support system and nature-based solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change, improve water and air quality, and promote sustainable land use practices.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Earth system science, remote sensing, computer science, data science, or a related field (within 5 years after completing the Ph.D.).
- Expertise in remote sensing technologies and AI-driven data assimilation methods.
- Strong programming skills in Python, R, or similar, with experience in AI/ML algorithms and data analysis.
- Experience analyzing large environmental datasets using AI/Data Science methods.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with carbon and nitrogen cycles and GHG emissions in land systems and sectors, including agriculture, forestry, urban areas, and coastal system.
- Experience working with satellite data (e.g. OCO-2, TROPOMI, MODIS, Landsat, Sentinel) and other high resolution satellite imagery.
Position 3: Postdoctoral Researcher — Terrestrial Biosphere Modeling
We are seeking a dedicated Postdoctoral Researcher to focus on terrestrial biosphere modeling with DLEM (Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model). The successful candidate will develop and apply DLEM to simulate coupled biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus), hydrological processes, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems and at the Land-Ocean-Aquatic Continuum (LOAC) across scales from local to global. This research contributes to the ongoing GCP global assessments of carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide budgets, the upcoming RECCAP3-National Initiative, and the Near-Real-Time quantification of GHG (N2O, CH4, and CO2).
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Ecosystem Ecology, Earth System Science, Hydrology, or a related field (within 5 years after completing the Ph.D.).
- Strong background in process-based ecosystem/land modeling.
- Familiarity with remote sensing technologies and data assimilation methods.
- Strong collaborative skills and ability to communicate findings effectively.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with computer programming, preferably in C/C++.
- Experience with machine learning algorithms applied to environmental models.
- Experience working with high-performance computing environments.
Ph.D. Graduate Student Opportunities:
We plan to recruit Ph.D. graduate students starting in Fall, 2025. Prospective students may come from a variety of educational backgrounds, but those with a major in earth system science, ecosystem ecology, hydrology, meteorology, soil and crop science, forestry, geography, or related fields are preferred. Strong skills and a keen interest in computer programming, AI/Machine Learning, GIS, and remote sensing are highly desirable. The dissertation research generally aligns with the broad themes outlined in Prof. Hanqin Tian's Faculty Profile, while offering flexibility to explore new directions. To view the most recent publications, please visit the Google Scholar. Students who speak a native language other than English must provide evidence of English proficiency. A score of 100 or higher on the TOEFL iBT test or 7.0 or higher on the IELTS test is required. The GRE is not needed for admission. Highly motivated students interested in applying to the Ph.D. program are encouraged to visit the Graduate Program page for the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) at Boston College. Deadline for fall admission application is January 2, 2025. Contact Information: Email: hanqin.tian@bc.edu.
