Postdoc – Los Alamos

Sea Level and Non-Boussinesq Ocean Processes Postdoc at Los Alamos

Los Alamos National LaboratoryLos Alamos, New Mexico

This postdoctoral position will focus on improving the fidelity of coupled ocean and climate system processes within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM). The primary goals of this position are to develop and analyze the behavior of mass-conserving ‘non-Boussinesq’ formulations for MPAS-Ocean; to develop and analyze a complete representation of gravitationally consistent sea level within MPAS-Ocean, including coupling to a Sea Level Equation model; to enhance the representation of ocean thermodynamic processes and coupling within E3SM; and to understand impacts on coupled climate dynamics. This project will contribute to the broader E3SM project which seeks to push the resolution frontier of Earth System Modeling and introduce a complete representation of sea level within an Earth System Model. Unique to E3SM is the ability to include variable resolution in each of its components.The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with E3SM project scientists, and to engage with a multi-process team seeking to understand coupled ocean-, ice-sheet, atmosphere-, sea-ice, and solid-earth dynamics, and associated impacts on global sea-level rise projections. We expect that the successful candidate will help to define specific science goals that are compatible with these broader requirements. Possibilities include assessing the strength of feedbacks between sea level and ocean dynamics, investigating the impact of model resolution and mesoscale eddy parameterizations on simulated sea level, predicting changes in future offshore storm surge along the U.S. coast, or other related science topics identified by the candidate.

For more information about E3SM and related work on regional sea level, see https://e3sm.org/ and https://sle-e3sm.github.io/.Job Requirements:The successful candidate will have familiarity with ocean dynamical core formulations, numerical methods for PDEs, and/or earth system modeling or one of its components. Expertise with high-performance computing languages (e.g. Fortran90, C, C++), shell scripting, and/or data-analysis languages (e.g. Python, Matlab) is also highly desired. They will have also demonstrated scientific excellence as evidenced by submission and publication of authored papers in refereed journals. The ability to work in a highly collaborative team setting is also strongly desired. A Ph.D. in oceanography, geophysical fluid dynamics and modeling, physics, applied mathematics or a closely related field.  Direct experience developing or using a non-Boussinesq ocean model and/or evaluating steric components of sea level from ocean models is desired but not essential.How to Apply:Apply at: https://lanl.jobs/los-alamos-nm/sea-level-and-non-boussinesq-ocean-processes-postdoc/7E6DD963697649378A25980037329346/job/When applying, please attach a curriculum vitae, digitized copies of transcripts, names of three references, and a cover letter detailing qualifications and research interests. Address any questions about the position to Darren Engwirda: dengwirda@lanl.gov or Matt Hoffman: mhoffman@lanl.gov. Applications will be reviewed as received, and the position will stay open until filled.Candidates are eligible to apply for a LANL postdoctoral position within five years of receiving their PhD or have completed all PhD requirements by hire-on date. Requests for exceptions to the five-year eligibility requirement will be considered based on extenuating circumstances, such as a career break for raising a family.  New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.Where You Will Work:Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

* PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network* Dental and vision insurance
* Free basic life and disability insurance
* Paid maternity and parental leave
* Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
* Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
* Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
* Onsite gyms and wellness programs
* Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.