Postdoctoral Scholar - Atmospheric Sciences - Marine Cloud Brightening
Position Overview
Organization: Atmospheric Sciences
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar - Atmospheric Sciences - Marine Cloud Brightening
Position Details
Position Description
Position Description
The Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington is seeking Postdoctoral Scholars to participate in the Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) Project. The position will undertake global and regional modeling studies of forcing by aerosol-cloud interactions in marine warm clouds, and to explore environmental impacts of cloud brightening from deliberate injections of sea-salt aerosol into the marine environment. We are especially interested in candidates who have experience in one or more of the following areas: numerical modeling, climate dynamics, aerosol-cloud interactions, cloud or aerosol physics, observationally-based model evaluation.
The Marine Cloud Brightening Project is a research program studying interventions to cool climate through increasing the reflection of sunlight from clouds and the effects of aerosol particles on clouds and climate. Led by Professor Robert Wood in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the UW, the MCB Project is a collaboration of over 30 researchers from the University of Washington, Palo Alto Research Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and other institutions. In particular we are collaborating closely with other modeling groups on our regional and global modeling studies. Mentors/Advisors for this position could include any of the UW MCB project members (Rob Wood, Phil Rasch and Sarah Doherty) or other faculty in the UW Department of Atmospheric Sciences.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and carry out climate model experiments in which aerosols are introduced into various cloud regimes of the marine boundary layer environment to explore the resulting forcing and impacts on the planet’s circulation features (near and far field impacts on clouds, winds, precipitation, ocean circulation and mixing, etc).
Compare the simulated cloud fields to observed clean and polluted clouds, higher resolution (cloud resolving and large eddy simulations), and to conduct analyses to elucidate the source of model deficiencies in accurate cloud field representation.
Collaborate with colleagues at other institutions conducting similar studies to evaluate the impact of changes in low marine clouds on atmosphere/ocean/sea-ice features (including teleconnections).
Work with scientists in the Marine Cloud Brightening project at the University of Washington and collaborating institutions to use regional and global models to identify possible experimental strategies for future outdoor studies of marine cloud brightening over the ocean.
Appointments are 100% FTE for 12 months, renewable for a second 12 months subject to approval and availability of funding. A Postdoctoral Scholar is an academic appointment that requires evidence of a conferred Ph.D. by the appointment start date and candidates cannot exceed five years of Postdoctoral experience prior to the end of an appointment. Together with a competitive salary, a small research/travel budget and/or a relocation stipend might be included. The salary range is between $65,508 and $71,000 a year, depending on prior postdoctoral experience (which cannot exceed 3 years prior experience at the time of hire)
Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
Qualifications
Required
Candidates must have an earned doctorate in atmospheric sciences or closely related field (at the time of appointment) and a background in cloud-related research.
Preferred
Experience with atmospheric modeling global, regional or smaller scales; experience with analysis of observational datasets, particularly those required for forcing and testing cloud-resolving models; and h a strong programming background and verbal and written communication skills.
Instructions
To apply, please submit the following application materials:
- A cover letter outlining current research accomplishments and a statement of how your experience meets the requirements for the postdoctoral position.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact information for two professional references.
Application consideration will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.
For questions about the positions, please contact Professor Robert Wood (robwood2@uw.edu) by email. For questions about potential disability accommodation during the application process, please contact the UW's Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450, or 206-543-6452 (TTY), or dso@uw.edu
Disability Accommodations
For questions about potential disability accommodation during the application process, please contact the UW's Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450, or 206-543-6452 (TTY). You can also send an email to dso@uw.edu.
Sexual Misconduct Disclosure
Washington state law prohibits the UW from hiring or appointing candidates to academic personnel positions who do not complete and sign a sexual misconduct declaration prior to official offer of employment or appointment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
Benefits Information
A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.
Commitment to Diversity
The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).
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Disability Services
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.