Postdoctoral scholar – Caltech

WOT postdoc at Caltech

A postdoctoral scholar is sought to work on a NASA-funded project that is part of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. The successful candidate is expected to spend two years at Caltech (pending annual renewal).

The SWOT spacecraft launched in December 2022 and has started to return measurements of the ocean’s surface elevation with unprecedented detail. Using a combination of data analysis, theory, and numerical simulations, this project will seek to identify and characterize the physical processes giving rise to the observed surface elevation features, with a focus on meso-/submesoscale turbulence and internal waves. Close collaboration with colleagues at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory will be part of this effort.

The successful candidate will be part of the Ocean Physics group led by Jörn Callies. In addition to satellite altimetry, research in the group addresses submesoscale dynamics in the upper ocean, interactions between near-inertial waves and eddies, theory of the global overturning circulation, and observing basin-scale warming using seismically generated sound waves. More information can be found at https://jcallies.com.

To apply to this position, please submit the following material to jcallies@caltech.edu:

A cover letter, a research statement describing current work and future interests (less than 1000 words), a CV (including a list of peer-reviewed publications), and the contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.

Required qualifications:

• completion of a Ph.D. in oceanography, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field at the time of employment,
• a strong background in geophysical fluid dynamics,
• experience or strong interest in oceanographic data analysis,
• scientific programming skills (Julia or Python preferred),
• a record of peer-reviewed publications commensurate with the career stage,
• the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and
• strong communication skills (including scientific writing).

For more information, please contact Jörn Callies at jcallies@caltech.edu.