The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) Center for Coastal Studies, UCSD, is looking for a postdoctoral scholar to work on a USCRP-funded project aiming to improve our understanding of the transport of polluted waters along the coastline. The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for building upon an existing realistic regional numerical model to incorporate the transport of tracers representative of pollutants within the ROMS/COAWST framework. This will include testing decay rates for tracers, building and testing an open-source ROMS module with various pollutant tracer models to represent a range of pollutants, testing the sensitivity of pollutant “behavior” for predicted water quality conditions, and generating an ensemble of parameter space to simplify coastal water quality predictions. A strong background in oceanography is required and preference will be given to those with significant expertise in numerical modeling, particularly ROMS. The position will be located at SIO working with Drs. Sarah Giddings, Falk Feddersen, and Kate Ricke, with opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students and work with colleagues at SIO and UCSD. Moreover, there will be opportunities for interaction with USCRP program managers, outreach, and stakeholder engagement on coastal pollution issues. Additional information about postdoctoral positions at UCSD and benefits can be found on the UCSD postdoctoral website.

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • PhD in coastal oceanography, physical oceanography, hydrodynamics, fluid dynamics or a related field from an accredited university
  • Hydrodynamic modeling expertise
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to pursue research independently

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience with ROMS, SWAN, and/or the COAWST modeling framework
  • Experience coding in Fortran
  • Research focus in coupled bio-physical modeling is a plus
  • Prior model module development a plus

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Test the influence of varying tracer decay rates on coastal pollution extent
  • Build and test an open-source ROMS module with various pollutant tracer models
  • Test the sensitivity of pollutant “behavior” on coastal pollution extent
  • Use new and historical observations to evaluate model performance
  • Generate an ensemble of parameter space for coastal water quality preditions
  • Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences

Research Advisors: The position will be located at SIO with lead advisor Sarah N Giddings, sarahgid at ucsd.edu, 858.534.5103 with significant opportunities to interact with collaborators Falk Fedderson (SIO) and Kate Ricke (UCSD SIO/GPS). 

Funding & Timeline: Initial appointment will be for a 12-month period and will be renewable for 6 additional months (18 months total) subject to performance and availability of funding. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position can begin as soon as January 2020 and no later than May 2020.

To Apply: email Sarah (sgiddings at ucsd dot edu) a SINGLE PDF with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references with the subject: “USCRP coastal water quality postdoc position”. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please email your application file before January 10th, 2020.

UCSD is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to excellence and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.