Post Master's Research Associate - Coastal Communities and Ecosystem Science

Company: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Seattle
Posted on: May 20, 2025

Job Description:

Overview

The Coastal Sciences Division, headquartered at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Sequim Marine Research Operations on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, is the Department of Energy's only marine research laboratory. This unique facility and the capabilities of its researchers deliver science and technology that is critical to the nation's energy, environmental and security future.Building upon a history of research related to marine and coastal resources, environmental chemistry, water resources modeling, ecotoxicology and biotechnology-and more recently, national and homeland security-the MSL is emerging as a leader in these three areas:

• Enabling sustainable development of ocean energy .
• Understanding and mitigating long-term impacts of human activities, including climate change, on marine resources.
• Protecting coastal environments from security threats.
  Responsibilities
  
  PNNL seeks a creative, collaborative, and talented post-master's research associate to conduct research on the effects of global change on coupled human-natural systems and to develop innovative solutions to support energy resilience and independence for coastal communities experiencing increases in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. A strong and reliable energy grid is essential for national security, economic growth, and the well-being of American communities. Federal policies that invest in resilient and secure energy infrastructure will help to meet the demands of a growing nation. As the nation modernizes its energy systems, it is critical to protect coastal communities from the negative impacts of poorly planned infrastructure projects and understand opportunities for communities to influence their future energy systems. Energy policy has the potential to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that development strengthens local economies, community resilience, and environmental stability.The selected candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to research in three main areas:
  • Advancing social-ecological frameworks and conceptual models for energy development and implementation in coastal communities.
  • Modeling ecosystem services to inform renewable energy generation and transmission development.
  • Developing approaches and tools to understand and respond to the needs of rural and remote coastal and communities engaging in energy security and resilience.
  • Quantify ecosystem services to understand the benefits and costs of energy infrastructure development for coastal communities.
  • Assemble and synthesize a wide variety of spatial data that serves as input into models for mapping and quantifying ecosystem services.
  • Generate methodologies, analysis, and spatial modeling approaches to address emerging challenges in energy resilience, social-ecological systems, and coastal development.
  • Create compelling data visualizations to support decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and scientific communication.
  • Review and synthesize literature, programs, case studies, and tools related to energy resilience, changing ocean environments, and coastal community development.
  • Author and contribute to scientific peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and grant proposals, translating complex findings into accessible insights for stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team at PNNL, the University of Washington, national laboratories, industry partners, and research institutions to advance scientific understanding.
  • Engage with stakeholders, policymakers, and community representatives to integrate local perspectives into energy planning and environmental assessments.
    Qualifications
    
    Minimum Qualifications:
    • Candidates must have received a Master's degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.Preferred Qualifications:
      • Master's degree in a relevant field such as earth or environmental science, marine science, ecology, geography, environmental or marine policy, environmental economics, or a related discipline.
      • Experience with spatial modeling of ecosystem services or "nature's contributions to people," especially in coastal and marine environments.
      • Proficiency in programming or scripting using Python, R, QGIS, ArcGIS, or other spatial analysis tools.
      • Strong skills in organizing, conducting, and communicating independent research.
      • Ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems in coastal resilience, energy development, or social-ecological systems.
      • Experience translating technical data into actionable insights for stakeholders such as policymakers, coastal communities, and industry partners.
      • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
      • Familiarity with science-policy processes, especially those related to climate adaptation, sustainable development, conservation, or community-led energy planning.
      • Understanding of coupled human-natural systems and their application to environmental and energy resilience research.
      • Background in coastal and marine science and/or policy, with a focus on environmental change or infrastructure development.
      • Knowledge of ocean or renewable energy technologies and their interactions with ecosystems and communities.
      • Demonstrated interest and ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
        Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
        
        Not Applicable.
        Additional Information
        
        Not Applicable.
        Testing Designated Position
        
        Not a Testing Designated Position.
        About PNNL
        
        Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
        At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or -3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
        Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
        
        Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at.
        Drug Free Workplace
        
        PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
        Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
        
        In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.For foreign national candidates:If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
        Mandatory Requirements
        
        Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
        Rockstar Rewards
        
        Regular Hourly:Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.Temporary Hourly:Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
        Notice to Applicants
        
        PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
        Minimum Salary
        
        USD $78,500.00/Yr.
        Maximum Salary
        
        USD $102,050.00/Yr.
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Keywords: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Renton , Post Master's Research Associate - Coastal Communities and Ecosystem Science, Other , Seattle, Washington