The Center for Climate Systems Research in the Earth Institute at Columbia University invites applicants for a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist position focused on the creation of a Symbiotic Agent-Based Network Platform for analysis of food security and human migration. This appointment is full-time and located at the Columbia University Morningside campus.

The Post-Doctoral Research Scientist will be part of the World Modelers program funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Overall this program “aims to develop technology that integrates qualitative causal analyses with quantitative models and relevant data to provide a comprehensive understanding of complicated, dynamic national security questions. The goal is to develop approaches that can accommodate and integrate dozens of contributing models connected by thousands of pathways—orders of magnitude beyond what is possible today.” The Post-Doctoral Research Scientist will work closely with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (Germany) and CSIRO (Australia) to interface a suite of biophysical and socioeconomic models with machine reading approaches and ontologies to better understand how these interact. The key research theme is to understand how to link these approaches in the context of socio-economic decision-making. Further the postdoc will work to link these integrated models with multiple other teams within DARPA’s World Modelers program. The teams will meet on a regular basis, including at Hackathons and workshops.

A PhD is required in computer science, engineering, agricultural science or related/relevant field

Qualified candidates should also possess: experience in creating portable codes (Docker/containerization/wrapper), APIs, and UI/HMIs, and an open mindedness and eagerness to learn from other research disciplines – especially food security and migration.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with agricultural and/or socioeconomic systems appreciated but not required.
Excellent command (verbal and written) of the English language, organization and meticulousness, and strong interpersonal skills desired.

Additional Information
The start date for this position is flexible but preferably a start date within 45 days of this posting is preferred.

Appointment will be for 1 year, with continuation pending funding and progress.

Search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will continue until the position is filled.

Columbia University benefits offered with this Officer of Research appointment.

We accept online applications only.