Postdoctoral Scholar: Physical Oceanography


Position Overview


School / Campus / College: College of the Environment

Organization: Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar: Physical Oceanography


Position Details


Position Description

Eddies are a dominant source of variability in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Shelf break eddies in this region mix properties between the shelf and the basin and can lead to enhanced primary production, impacting higher trophic levels and fisheries. This two-year (possibility of 3rd year extension) postdoctoral opportunity supports NOAA’s Climate Ecosystems Fisheries Initiative (CEFI); specifically, to understand ocean variability and change in the GOA by understanding how shelf-break eddies form, move throughout the basin, and affect primary productivity in the region.

 

The postdoc will work directly with PMEL and UW/CICOES scientists Zach Erickson, Emily Lemagie, Al Hermann, and Wei Cheng to analyze data from satellite observations, drifters, Argo floats, and high-resolution model output to answer the following scientific questions:

  1. What environmental conditions lead to the formation of eddies in the GOA?;
  2. How do GOA shelf break eddies decay as they translate along the continental shelf?;
  3. What are the impacts on marine biology of GOA shelf break eddies?

 

The postdoc will join vibrant PMEL research groups GOBOP (https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/gobop/people) and EcoFOCI (https://www.ecofoci.noaa.gov/about-us), and will also be invited to participate in NOAA CEFI Marine Ecosystem Task Force

 

Compensation:

The base salary range for this position will be $5,837 to $6,318 per month, 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 or a relocation incentive. University of Washington postdoctoral scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experience.

 

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

  • Ph.D. in oceanography or related field at time of appointment.
  • Research experience working with large ocean data sets including in situ observations, satellite data, and/or oceanographic model output.
  • Proficiency with scientific programming in MATLAB, python, R, or a related language.
  • Excellent communication skills as demonstrated by prior publications and presentations.
  • Interest and enthusiasm for the project and working in collaborative teams.

 

Instructions

To apply, please submit the following application materials: 

  • Cover letter describing your past research, how your current research interests align with this project, and a suggested starting date
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Names and contact information for 2-3 references (at least one of which should be from a current or previous supervisor or advisor)

Consideration of applications will begin on October 4th and continue until the position is filled. For questions about the position, please contact Zach Erickson (zachary.k.erickson@noaa.gov) and/or Al Hermann (albert.j.hermann@noaa.gov).

 Start date is negotiable, but we expect it to start no later than January 1, 2025.

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

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.