Postdoctoral Scholar - Atmospheric Sciences
Position Overview
Organization: Atmospheric Sciences
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar - Atmospheric Sciences
Position Details
Position Description
The Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar focused on understanding aerosol-cloud interactions in mixed phase clouds. The scholars will focus on extending a numerical model of aerosol processing in liquid clouds to include ice phase processes and studying the impact of cloud-aerosol interactions on mixed-phase clouds during marine cold air outbreaks. We are especially interested in candidates who have experience in numerical modeling (specifically large eddy simulation), aerosol-cloud interactions, and observationally-based model evaluation.
Project Summary
Predictions of past and present climate change are complicated by the uncertain magnitude of cloud-aerosol interactions, which are difficult to constrain using observations and global climate models. Simulating cloud-aerosol interactions at fine, eddy-resolving scales may lead to greater understanding of the processes at work and also to improved representation of these processes in coarser-scale models used for climate prediction. The postdoctoral scholar will extend an existing aerosol processes and chemistry in liquid clouds to include ice and mixed-phase cloud and aerosol processes. The aerosol treatment represents both ultra-fine (Aitken) particles and cloud condensation nuclei, and a focus of the project is to understand the role of these ultra-fine particles in cloud processes and, in particular, cloud transitions from overcast to broken cloud regimes.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Extend an existing treatment of aerosol processing and chemistry in liquid clouds to include ice and mixed-phase processes.
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Simulate cloud-aerosol interactions in mixed-phase clouds over the ocean, including analyses of how changes in aerosol impact cloud processes and evolution.
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Compare the simulated cloud and aerosol to observations, from both in situ observations and remote sensing, and conduct analyses to elucidate the source of model deficiencies in accurate cloud field representation.
The position is a twelve-month appointment at 100% FTE with the opportunity to extend to a second year subject to approval and availability of funding. A Postdoctoral Scholar is an academic appointment that requires evidence of a conferred PhD by the appointment start date, and candidates cannot exceed five years of Postdoctoral experience prior to the end of an appointment. The salary range is between $65,508 and $71,000 a year, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a moving allowance.
Qualifications
Candidates must have an earned doctorate in atmospheric sciences or a closely related field (at the time of appointment) and experience in high-resolution modeling of fluid flow or a background in cloud-related research.
Desired
It is preferred that candidates have: experience with one or more of the following: atmospheric modeling at large eddy simulation or cloud-resolving scales; experience in developing or modifying model parameterizations of aerosol or cloud processes; experience using ground based observational datasets to understand cloud-aerosol interactions; experience and have a strong programming background (ideally including experience with fortran) and verbal and written communication skills.
Instructions
To apply, please submit the following application materials:
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A cover letter outlining current research accomplishments and a statement of how your experience meets the requirements for the postdoctoral position.
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Curriculum Vitae
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Names and contact information for two professional references.
Applications will be reviewed as they arrive.
Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. For questions about the positions, please contact Professors Peter Blossey (pblossey@uw.edu) and Robert Wood (robwood2@uw.edu) by email.
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.
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Disability Services
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