The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), UCSD, is looking for a postdoctoral scholar to work on a project aiming to improve our observations and predictions of nearshore processes including coastal flooding, coastal morphological evolution, and estuary inlet closure. The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for helping collect and analyze observations as part of a larger group effort. This includes observational planning, instrument programming/deployment/uploads, and general laboratory maintenance. Scientific analyses will include creation of high spatial and temporal resolution topo/bathymetric maps using best available data, overall analysis of hydrodynamic forcing fields during the observational studies, and in-depth analysis on a topic(s) of choice ranging from inlet morphological evolution, theoretical and/or modeling analysis of inlet accretion, wave-current/inlet/morphological feedbacks, estuarine response to inlet changes, coastal flooding, etc. These analyses will be conducted through utilization of state-of-the-art observations, but we also support modeling approaches as well. A strong background in oceanography is required and preference will be given to those with significant expertise in coastal hydrodynamics, nearshore processes, and coastal observations. There will be opportunities for interaction with scientists in other fields related to the project as well as graduate and undergraduate students working in the PI’s labs. Finally, if desired, the postdoctoral researcher will have the ability to participate in stakeholder engagement and outreach. Additional information about postdoctoral positions at UCSD, professional development and career training opportunities, and benefits can be found on the UCSD Office of Postdoctoral Scholar Affairs website.

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • PhD in coastal oceanography, physical oceanography, hydrodynamics, fluid dynamics or a related field from an accredited university. This Postdoctoral Scholar position is contingent upon evidence of a doctoral degree, stated research qualifications, and documentation of employment eligibility in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
  • Excellent data analysis skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to pursue research independently
  • Excellent organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Field experience programming, deploying, downloading data, etc. with oceanographic instruments
  • Experience with coastal modeling (ROMS, or the COAWST modeling framework, DELFT3D, SWASH, etc.) is a plus
  • Research focus in nearshore, estuarine, or morphodynamics a plus

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Collect and analyze observations as part of a larger group effort. This includes observational planning, instrument programming/deployment/uploads, and general laboratory maintenance. 
  • Create high spatial and temporal resolution topo/bathymetric maps using best available data
  • Overall analysis of hydrodynamic forcing fields during the observational studies
  • Perform in-depth analyses on a topic(s) of choice ranging from inlet morphological evolution, theoretical and/or modeling analysis of inlet accretion, wave-current/inlet/morphological feedbacks, estuarine response to inlet changes, coastal flooding, etc. using the observations alone or in conjunction with hydrodynamic models (either our existing 3D COAWST model or another)
  • Contribute to dynamical understanding of coastal hydro-morphodynamic evolution at the beach/estuary interface
  • 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 Dr. Sarah Giddings and interaction with project PI Dr. Adam Young as well as project-affiliated researchers, scientists, and engineers.

Funding & Timeline: The Position is for 2 years with the possibility of extension. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The ideal start date is ASAP! This position will be eligible to participate in the UC Postdoctoral Scholars Benefits Plan (PSBP), which includes medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment, disability insurance, and workers’ compensation, and which satisfies U.S. visa requirements. Eligible dependents may also participate in the medical, vision and dental plans.

To Apply: email Sarah (sgiddings at ucsd.edu) a SINGLE PDF with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references with the subject: “coastal hydro-morphodynamic interaction postdoctoral position”. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Additional information about UCSD employment:  Becoming a member of the UC San Diego community, you will be responsible for reviewing, understanding and following campus policies, guidelines, appointment expectations, collective bargaining agreement and research regulations. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and is committed to maintaining an atmosphere that is free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and exploitation. The university has a strong institutional commitment to excellence and diversity. 

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.