THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED
Postdoc in numerical modeling of oceanic-plateau interactions at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego is looking for a postdoctoral scholar to work on realistic (and potentially some idealized) numerical simulations investigating regional circulation on the Seychelles Plateau in the Indian Ocean. The first portion of the project will consist of model development (building off of existing semi-realistic simulations of the region), finalizing realistic model simulations, and validation with existing observations. From there, there are several scientific directions where the project can be steered. Research directions span from island-scale (~20 km, 0-60 m deep) dynamics to the interaction of mesoscale and sub-mesoscale currents with and atop the plateau (~200 km 60-4000 m deep). The geometry of the Seychelles Plateau is such that it sits dynamically between a seamount and a continental shelf. Thus, we have also developed a series of idealized simulations of a circular plateau of similar scale to investigate the fundamental dynamics – another direction the postdoctoral researcher could pursue.
The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to participate in fieldwork and outreach in the Seychelles during at least one 10-20-day trip. If of interest, additional analysis of exiting observational datasets can be incorporated into the postdoctoral research. Additional information regarding project objectives and expectations can be discussed with the PIs.
Qualifications: PhD in oceanography, hydrodynamics, or fluid dynamics. Focus on shelf processes, trapped wave, Indian Ocean circulation, or island dynamics a plus. Experience with ROMS required. Additional qualifications that are a plus (but not required) include: experience with SWAN, and/or the COAWST modeling framework; experience working with DoD supercomputers; experience working with archived direct access files; field work experience; and scientific diving.
Research Advisors: Sarah N Giddings (primary advisor), sarahgid at ucsd.edu, 858.534.5103; Geno Pawlak, epawlak at eng.ucsd.edu, 858-534-2343.
Funding & timeline: The 1-year postdoctoral position receives partial funding from the ONR NASCar (North Arabian Sea Circulation – autonomous research) project, specifically the SLOMO (Seychelles Local Ocean Modeling and Observations) team. The position can begin as soon as March 2018 and ideally no later than June 2018 (although later dates will be considered). There may be additional funding to extend the position.
To apply: email Sarah with a cover letter and your CV.