Postdoctoral Scholar in Physical Oceanography 4D-Var Modeling
Position Overview
Organization: Applied Physics Lab
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar in Physical Oceanography 4D-Var Modeling
Position Details
Position Description
The Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington (APL-UW) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in physical oceanography focused on numerical ocean modeling, ocean data assimilation, and computational methods for understanding and predicting regional and coastal ocean circulation. This is a full-time position for 2 years, with the possibility of a 3rd year renewal.
The successful candidate will contribute to the Expeditionary Autonomous Sensing for Tactical Oceanography (EASTO) project, which combines fundamental research on ocean processes and four-dimensional variational (4D-Var) modeling with research involving sensors and autonomous vehicles. The work will address autonomy and path planning; use Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) to evaluate observing and assimilation strategies; support field experiments; and translate research results into operational path-planning applications. Research is expected to support U.S. Navy and other federal sponsors and collaborators conducting basic and applied oceanographic research.
Working under the guidance of Harper Simmons, Senior Principal Oceanographer in APL-UW’s Ocean Physics Department (OPD), the Postdoctoral Scholar will develop, execute, evaluate, and analyze numerical ocean models and data assimilation systems. The scholar will collaborate with scientists and engineers to integrate models and observations, communicate research results, and develop increasing scientific independence. Specific research activities will include:
- Develop and apply 4D-Var ocean data assimilation and conduct fundamental research on regional and coastal ocean processes using numerical experiments and observations.
- Design and analyze Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) to assess observing strategies and the sensitivity of 4D-Var performance to assimilation windows, error models, boundary conditions, and observational coverage.
- Integrate model estimates and forecasts with observations from oceanographic sensors and autonomous vehicles, and contribute to autonomy and path-planning activities, including fieldwork support and operational path planning.
- Configure, execute, evaluate, and maintain regional ocean models and data assimilation systems on Unix/Linux and high-performance computing platforms.
- Evaluate model and assimilation performance using statistical and dynamical diagnostics and verification against independent observations and diagnose performance issues.
- Develop and maintain scientific software for modeling, assimilation, analysis, visualization, and reproducible computational workflows.
- Collaborate across disciplines and contribute to documentation, sponsor reports, presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and research proposals.
- Develop research questions and directions that build on the scholar's interests and advance professional skills and research independence.
The Postdoctoral Scholar will work under the direction of principal investigators for the benefit of the research programs, the unit's educational program, and their own professional growth. The purpose may be to establish or further an ongoing collaboration, learn new techniques, or develop skills to advance research. The Postdoctoral Scholar will be engaged full-time in mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence.
Additional duties:
- Participate in research of mutual interest and relevance to the research group to which the Postdoctoral Scholar is affiliated.
- Participate in research group activities, including laboratory and other meetings, as requested by a Principal Investigator.
- Participation in the regular instructional program of a unit is not required of a Postdoctoral Scholar but is encouraged.
Salary
The salary range for this position will be $7,700.00 - $8,200.00/month, commensurate with experience and qualifications
Location
Based out of Seattle, Washington with telework and hybrid schedule options
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education requirement: Terminal degree, doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent), with experience/interest in a closely related discipline. Degree must be conferred by the appointment start date.
- Research experience in numerical ocean or geophysical fluid modeling with an understanding of numerical methods and physical processes relevant to ocean circulation and dynamics.
- Experience with high-performance computing, parallel numerical models, large scientific datasets, scientific programming, and the analysis and evaluation of model and observational data.
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Strong research skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Effective problem solving/critical thinking skills.
- Strong technical communication and collaboration skills.
- Appointed for a temporary and defined period not to exceed five (5) years, including postdoctoral experience(s) at other institutions, as determined by the University.
The person hired into this position must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense personnel security clearance.
Desired:
- Doctoral degree in Physical Oceanography or a closely related field, with research experience in regional or coastal ocean circulation.
- Direct experience with the theory and practical implementation of 4D-Var variational data assimilation techniques using observational data, including ROMS 4D-Var or a comparable system.
- Experience with large-scale HPC workflows, collaborative scientific software development, and application of integrated model and observational products to field or operational oceanography.
- Experience integrating models with oceanographic sensors or autonomous vehicles, including OSSEs, autonomy, path planning, or field operations.
- An active U.S. Government security clearance.
Instructions
All applications should be submitted through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/193554
The application package should include the following as individual uploads:
1. Cover Letter addressing how your research experience and interests align with project qualifications and goals.
2. Curriculum vitae (including full publication list contact information for 3 professional references).
3. Unofficial transcripts.
Review of applications will begin upon receipt and accepted until the position is filled.
Application Questions? Contact Harper Simmons (harpers@uw.edu)
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.
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Disability Services
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.