Postdoc in Climate Dynamics – University of Colorado

Job Summary:

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) at the University of Colorado Boulder has an immediate opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a comprehensive understanding of tropical Pacific climate dynamics, analysis of large ensembles of climate model outputs (e.g., CESM), and conducting CESM initialized forecast experiments. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will have an appointment in the ATOC department at CU Boulder. The individual will join a collaborative project between CU Boulder, Colorado State University-Fort Collins, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) investigating the key physical processes in the tropical West Pacific that govern the coupled ocean-atmosphere dynamics during MJO and ENSO event evolutions.

This position has an initial term of 1 year, with possible extension subject to performance and availability of funding.

Who we are:

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) at the University of Colorado Boulder provides a world-class, interdisciplinary research and educational environment to examine the dynamical, physical, and chemical processes that occur in the atmosphere and ocean. A major theme is the establishment of a physical basis for observing, modeling, and understanding climate and global change. The successful applicant will be immersed in this invigorating environment and receive mentoring from multiple faculty members.

What your key responsibilities will be:

Analyze physical mechanisms governing air-sea interactions in the tropical west Pacific at the eastern edge of the warm pool by isolating coupled feedback processes through analyses of short-term coupled and uncoupled forecasts.
Conduct experiments with the Community Earth System Model (CESM) global runs as well as high-resolution Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model (MITgcm) regional uncoupled simulations for ENSO and MJO event forecasts.
Study coupled vs. uncoupled forecasts initialized with different ocean reanalysis products to quantify the impact of ocean data assimilation on forecast error growth in the Tropical West Pacific region.
Analyze air-sea interactions and the oceanic mixed layer heat and salt budgets in the model forecasts and in the reanalyses fields to gain a process-based understanding of the regional mixed layer, barrier layer, and MJO dynamics, feedbacks, and sensitivities.

What you should know:

Start dates are flexible, but we are eager to hire soon. General questions about the job can be directed to aneesh.subramanian@colorado.edu or kristopher.karnauskas@colorado.edu.

What we require:

Ph.D. in the atmospheric, oceanic, climate, or Earth sciences—or a closely related discipline.
Strong background in the analysis of global IPCC-class climate models.

What you will need:

Ability to conduct novel climate model experiments, preferably with CESM.
Ability to work independently as well as effectively in a team environment, and to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
A strong and/or promising track record in publishing peer-reviewed journal articles of high quality and impact.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV

2. Cover Letter

3. List of three references

4. Proof of Degree (copy of degree or transcript)

5. You will need to submit 3 references for this position. These individuals will be contacted and asked to submit a letter of recommendation as part of your application materials. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.

Application screening will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applications received by October 31, 2018.

Learn more and apply

Postdoc in Climate Dynamics – University of Colorado

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