The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) Center for Coastal Studies, UCSD, is looking for a postdoctoral scholar to work on an NSF-funded project aiming to improve our understanding of the fate of small river plumes in the surfzone. This work is motivated by the need to improve our understanding of  transport of environmental constituents ranging from larvae to pollution in coastal waters. The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for collecting and analyzing field observations, and helping to run/analyze realistic coupled numerical simulations of small buoyant plumes in the surfzone. A strong background in physical oceanography is required and preference will be given to those with expertise in coastal dynamics with both observational and modeling experience. The position will be located at SIO working with Dr. Sarah Giddings, with opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students and work with co-PIs and colleagues at the University of Washington (UW), SIO, and Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Chile. Additional information about postdoctoral positions at UCSD and benefits can be found on the UCSD postdoctoral website.

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • PhD in physical oceanography, coastal oceanography, hydrodynamics, fluid dynamics or a related field from an accredited university
  • Experience with oceanographic field deployments including planning, programming, and deploying moorings and hydrodynamic instrumentation 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to pursue research independently

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Research focus in near-shore, surfzone, or river-plume dynamics a plus
  • Experience with ROMS, SWAN, and/or the COAWST modeling framework
  • Willingness to become a scientifically trained scuba diver and/or boat driver
  • Additionally we value contributions to diversity efforts, community engagement and outreach, and contributions to the scientific community

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Help run a major field experiment during winter 2021-2022 (November 2021 – March 2022) which includes mooring deployments, transect sampling, and short-term intensive dye studies
  • Collaborate with UW co-PIs, UW graduate student, and SIO researcher to help run and analyze realistic coupled numerical simulations for the field regions
  • Use new and historical observations to evaluate model performance
  • Contribute to dynamical understanding of small plume/wave interactions and the implications for coastal transport processes
  • 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 Dr. Sarah N Giddings, sgiddings at ucsd.edu, 858.534.5103, with significant opportunities for interaction with co-PI Dr. Alex Horner-Devine (UW) and collaborator Dr. Morteza Derakhti (UW).

Funding & Timeline: Initial appointment will be for a 12-month period and will be renewable for an additional 10 months subject to performance and availability of funding. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position can begin as soon as May 2021 and no later than July 2021.

To Apply: email Dr. Giddings (sgiddings at ucsd.edu) a SINGLE PDF with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references with the subject: “wave/plume 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 May 24th, 2021.

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.