Postdoctoral Position – Stockholm University

Postdoctoral Position to Investigate and Model the Role of Strait Flows in Large Climate Transitions at the Department of Geological Sciences

Project description
Large climate transitions in Earth’s history are often hypothesized to have been a consequence of continental drift episodes that opened or closed oceanic straits. The ocean affects the climate primarily through its capacity to store carbon and to redistribute heat. These controls are tightly linked to the structure and strength of the large scale ocean circulation. This postdoctoral project will use a global coupled Atmosphere–Ocean–Ice model, CM2Mc or similar, to investigate the relevance of strait flows for one or more of the Earth’s major climate transitions.

The specific direction of the study will be guided by the interest of the successful applicant. Potential focus points include, but are not limited to, the following (in chronological order):

The onset of Antarctic glaciation and North Atlantic Deep Water formation at the Eocene-Oligocene boundary has been linked to the opening of Drake Passage and the Tasman Seeway. The Mid-Miocene Climate Optimum occurred close to the time when the gateways between the Arctic Ocean, the Nordic Seas, and the Atlantic Ocean opened up and the Thethys Seaway closed. The onset of Northern Hemisphere large scale glaciations around 3 million years ago has been associated with the closing of the Panama Gateway and the opening of the Bering Strait. The opening of the Bering Strait following the last glacial period allowed freshwater transport between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans that may have had a stabilizing effect on climate. The candidate will be employed at the Department of Geological Sciences and be part of the Bolin Centre for Climate Research. The Bolin Centre brings together observationalists and modellers from a wide range of backgrounds to study the climate at all time scales and as such the centre provides a stimulating working environment.

Qualifications
A PhD, or other degree that is deemed similar to a PhD, in physical oceanography, climatology, atmospheric dynamics, marine geophysics or other relevant field of science is required. Experience of large scale ocean or atmosphere modelling is desirable.

Terms of employment
The position is full time for a maximum of two years. The working language will be English. The starting date is aimed to be 31 March 2014.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace which is free from discrimination and offers equal opportunities to everyone.

More information
Further information about the position can be requested from Agatha de Boer, telephone +46-(0)8-16 47 30, agatha.deboer@geo.su.se.

Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST),
telephone +46-(0)8-16 20 00 (switchboard), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO),
telephone +46-(0)70-316 43 41.

Application
The application shall include:

– cover letter,
– CV with publication list,
– maximum 2-page long description of proposed research focus,
–proof of doctoral degree, and
– contact information for two academic referees (the committee will contact them directly if required).

Please send your application, marked with the reference number
SU FV-3702-13, no later than January 17, 2014, by e-mail to: registrator@su.se.

The electronic documents should be in Word or PDF format.
N.B. Quote the reference number SU FV-3702-13 in all correspondence.

For more information visit: http://www.geo.su.se/index.php/en/aboutigv/vacancies/949-postdoctoral-position-to-investigate-and-model-the-role-of-strait-flows-in-large-climate-transitions