Postdoctoral Researcher Position, Autonomous measurements to study air-sea carbon exchange in the Gulf Stream region – University of Rhode Island
The Ocean Circulation and Biogeochemistry Lab led by Dr. Jaime Palter at University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography invite applications to fill a Postdoctoral Researcher position to study air-sea exchange, with a focus on carbon, across the Gulf Stream using autonomous vehicles.
Responsibilities and Duties: The overall aim of this project is to quantify the air-sea carbon dioxide exchange in the Gulf Stream region and characterize its driving mechanisms, using the data from 3-6 Saildrone uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) and auxiliary data from satellites and Argo floats as needed. The postdoc will be involved with all aspects of the USV field mission, including mission planning, active Saildrone piloting (via a mission control app), real- and delayed-time analysis, and dissemination of results in presentations and publications. There is a possibility to help lead a 6-day research cruise aboard the R/V Endeavor to collect subsurface information along the path of one USV. The postdoc will be required to contribute to the functioning of the research group, assist with graduate or undergraduate student mentoring and will be encouraged to develop future research projects. There is no teaching requirement or expectation to write research grants, but those opportunities can be provided.
Qualifications: Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. degree by August 2021 in Physical or Chemical Oceanography or closely related field. Candidates must possess demonstrable programming skills in Matlab or Python needed to synthesize large data sets. Relevant knowledge about ocean circulation, the carbon cycle, and air-sea gas exchange are highly desirable. Excellent written and verbal science communication skills are important.
Appointment: The position is currently funded for 12-months initially, commencing in November 2021. The PI is actively seeking a second year of funding and will work with the successful candidate to find or create additional opportunities. The postdoc will receive training in research collaboration, presentation and publication of results, outreach, and mentoring. The ideal candidate will work on site at GSO, but accommodations for remote work will be considered.
To Apply: Applications must include (1) a 2-page statement of experience, career goals, research vision and interests; (2) curriculum vitae, (3) reprints of relevant publications and (4) names and email addresses of three referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation. All materials should be emailed as a single pdf document to: jpalter@uri.edu with ‘SAILDRONE PostDoc Application’ in the subject line.
Candidates will be selected based on overall excellence, including academic qualifications, letters of recommendation, and prior skills, experience, and research goals that are compatible with the goals of the funded research. The position is compensated through a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
Closing date: For full consideration, applications should be received by Sept 17, 2021.
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