Researcher in Estuarine dynamics and sediment transport – University of Oregon

Researcher position: Estuarine dynamics / Sediment transport / Numerical modeling
Supervisor: Dave Sutherland, University of Oregon (http://oceanice.org/)
Location: Dept. of Earth Sciences, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
Duration: 1 year, with a possibility of extension
Topic: Estuarine dynamics and sediment transport in Coos Bay, Oregon
 
Description: Coos Bay, Oregon, is a seasonal estuary located in the PNW, embedded within the California Current System. Inside Coos Bay lies the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, the site of decades of water quality monitoring and restoration efforts. However, the greater Coos Bay estuary is heavily influenced by human activity, such as dredging. An ongoing project is examining the underlying estuarine dynamics and what controls sediment transport within the Bay. The successful applicant will enjoy opportunities to further develop high-resolution numerical simulations of the estuary, analyze and interpret model output, communicate results to local stakeholders, and work with an expert team including Dr. Dave Ralston (WHOI) and Dr. Emily Eidam (UNC-Chapel Hill).

We seek a researcher with strong quantitative skills, preferably with experience in one or more of the following: numerical ocean modeling, estuarine sediment dynamics, or observational estuarine oceanography; although all candidates with physical oceanography, environmental fluid dynamics, or sediment dynamics backgrounds will be considered. The primary research tool will be a numerical ocean model (FVCOM) coupled with observations. The successful applicant should have a MSc degree (at minimum) in a related-discipline. Applicants should have some experience with computational/data analysis methods (e.g., MATLAB, Python, FORTRAN), a record of good written and spoken communication skills, and a collaborative attitude. Applicants with PhDs are welcome to apply; possibilities exist to turn this into a postdoctoral experience if desired.

To apply: Please send 1) a cover letter that states your interests and 2) a curriculum vitae, which should list information for three references, to Dave Sutherland (dsuth@uoregon.edu). Review of applicants will begin ASAP, and continue until the position is filled. The successful applicant will join a vibrant interdisciplinary group (http://oceanice.org/). The position is for one-year initially.

The setting: Located 110 miles south of Portland, the University of Oregon has an enrollment of over 25,000 students. The Eugene metro area (pop. 215,000) is in a region noted for its dynamic quality of life and progressive cultural environment. We are about an hour’s drive from both the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains. The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Candidates who promote and enhance diversity are strongly desired. 

For more information, contact Professor Dave Sutherland (dsuth@uoregon.edu).