The School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning (SGSUP) at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Scholar to conduct research focused on Regional Climate Modeling and Analysis. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in utility of regional climate models (e.g., the Weather Research and Forecasting Model) with application to urban environments (e.g., knowledge of BEP-BEM), excellent proficiency in analyzing large datasets, outstanding problem-solving skills, and will demonstrate a proactive approach to research and collaboration. This work is jointly funded through the ASU-SRP (Salt River Project) Strategic Partnership.

The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will work directly with Dr. Matei Georgescu, Professor in SGSUP, and Dr. Bohumil Svoma, Principal Climate Scientist/Meteorologist at SRP, to examine regional climate model output and conduct multiscale climate modeling simulations. The research will focus on local (e.g., urban heat island) and global (increased greenhouse gas concentrations) drivers of change, using regional climate modeling experiments, with a focus on examination of adaptation and mitigation strategies within the context of urban environments, to assess consequences for thermal comfort and air conditioning electricity demand, in a current and projected warmer climate.

This is an in-person position based on ASU’s Tempe campus. The successful applicant will work from an office located within SGSUP. The full-time, benefits-eligible, position is available for one year and is renewable for up to two years, contingent upon exemplary performance and availability of funding. This work is funded by SRP.

Job Description:

The principal focus of the successful candidate will be on the evaluation of biophysical adaptation/mitigation measures, for example reflective roads/roofs and an expanded urban tree canopy, and their effect on near-surface temperature, net radiation/surface energy balance, with consequences for thermal comfort, within an urban canyon. The emphasis will be on projected summer conditions across the Phoenix metropolitan area and other major Arizona cities, relative to a contemporary baseline. The successful candidate will also assess associated air-conditioning electricity-demand benefits resulting from adaptation/mitigation measures relative to warming from urban expansion, increases in greenhouse gas concentration, and their combined effects. The Postdoctoral Research Scholar may also collaborate with other faculty in SGSUP and ASU, their graduate students, and team members from SRP.

About the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning

The School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning (SGSUP) advances the ASU mission and Charter through interdisciplinary research and discovery of public value. For more information on the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning please visit: https://sgsup.asu.edu/

About The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large, curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu.

About Arizona State University

ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the ASU Charter, ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

Essential Functions:

• The successful candidate will conduct WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting Model) regional climate simulations to examine urban-environmental impacts focused on AC energy demand and thermal comfort;
• The successful candidate will produce and handle/work with large data sets, lead activities focused on their analysis, and undertake activities associated with the archival of numerical modeling output by adhering to FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) data practices;
• The successful candidate will facilitate the development of reports and presentations, and lead as well as assist in the dissemination of high-impact publications and reports.

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD in Atmospheric Science, Engineering, Geography, or a related field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated expertise in numerical modeling (Global or Regional).
• Demonstrated experience with computer programming and scripting languages that facilitate post-processing of numerical modeling output;
• Demonstrated experience in the publication of high-quality peer-reviewed research;
• Demonstrated experience in the communication of research products through oral and written communication (e.g., presentations at international conferences).
• Demonstrated expertise with Regional (e.g., WRF) models, focused on urban environments, across high-performance computing systems.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in the modification of climate model codes to examine climate processes and impacts;
• Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.

The application deadline is March 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials.

To apply, candidates must submit the following materials electronically.

1. Cover letter summarizing your interest in the position, qualifications, experience, and interests.
2. Research statement and plans and their alignment with the project focus (up to 2 pages).
3. A comprehensive curriculum vitae that includes a complete publication record.
4. Contact information (name, email, and telephone number) for three professional references.

This is a paperless search, and only materials submitted electronically as outlined above will be considered. Questions related to the search may be addressed to Dr. Matei Georgescu (Matei.Georgescu@asu.edu).