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 importance of remote oceanic forcing on estuarine exchange flow across estuarine parameter space. The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for building upon a series of existing realistic regional numerical models over multiple hindcast years, conducting some semi-idealized simulations, and analyzing estuarine exchange flow across estuarine parameter space. A strong background in oceanography is required and preference will be given to those with significant expertise in numerical modeling. Most of the existing available regional numerical models use the ROMS framework, however, several are spread across different regional hydrodynamic codes (including SCHISM, GETM, SUNTANS, and FVCOM), thus significant experience across different coding languages is desirable. The position will be located at SIO working with Dr. Sarah Giddings, with opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students. Moreover, there will be opportunities for interaction with scientists worldwide who are contributing model output. This particular position and project is entirely focused on numerical modeling, however, there will likely be opportunities to participate in field work within the Giddings laboratory and potentially other groups at SIO. Finally, if desired, the postdoctoral researcher will have the ability to participate in the project’s significant outreach component, including helping to implement and design an interactive visualization tool for numerical simulations. 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
  • Excellent organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience with ROMS, FVCOM, SCHISM, GETM, and/or SUNTANS modeling framework
  • Experience using multiple coding languages both for hydrodynamic simulations, and for data analysis
  • Research focus in estuarine, river-plume, or coastal shelf dynamics a plus

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Run additional regional hydrodynamic simulations (many just requiring additional years, a couple requiring some model development)
  • Build and run a series of semi-idealized simulations
  • Analyze estuarine exchange flow across multiple different estuaries using multiple different regional simulation outputs
  • Contribute to dynamical understanding of oceanic forcing on estuarine exchange flow
  • Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conference

Research Advisor: The position will be located at SIO with lead advisor Sarah N Giddings, sgiddings at ucsd.edu.

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 01 September 2022 and no later than February 2023.

To Apply: email Sarah a SINGLE PDF with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references with the subject: “NSF ocean/estuarine exchange postdoc position”. Screening of applicants will begin 22 August 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

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.