Postdoctoral Position in Modeling Ocean-Ice Interactions

Postdoctoral position in modeling ocean-ice interactions

We are seeking to hire a postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative project at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) that will assess the potential for non-linearities in Antarctic Ice Sheet evolution associated with high-frequency ocean-ice interactions.  The postdoctoral researcher will have an opportunity to collaborate with multiple research groups at Caltech and JPL focused on process-based modeling efforts spanning a range of temporal and spatial scales as well as a quantitative, satellite-based assessment of the susceptibility of East Antarctic ice shelves to high-frequency processes, e.g. tides, that impact basal melt and ice stream flow rates. The project team will develop new ocean-ice shelf models to explore relationships between ice shelf cavity geometry, ice-shelf melt rates, and ocean circulation, which will be complemented by coupled ocean and ice sheet simulations that enable new physics, including a rapidly-evolving grounding line and ephemeral pinning points.  The ultimate goal is to improve representation of ocean forcing of ice shelves for improvements in future sea level projections.

There is scope for the postdoctoral researcher to work on either ocean-based or ice-sheet-based models, depending on interests and expertise.  Strong programming skills and experience in the development of geophysical models and coding partial differential equations is essential.  A previous Ph.D. in oceanography, glaciology, climate science or other related topic; evidence of strong communications skills through publications and scientific presentations; and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively are required. Review of applications will start on May 1, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.  The position will be for two years, contingent on satisfactory progress, with the possibility for renewal for an additional year.

The successful candidate will join the Environmental Science & Engineering (ESE) program and the Linde Center for Global Environmental Science at Caltech.  We are a dynamic department that touches on all aspects of the climate system.  As a postdoctoral research you will be encouraged to interact and collaborate with other ESE, Caltech and JPL colleagues; there will also be opportunities for mentoring junior scientists.  For further information, please contact Andy Thompson ([email protected]). 

We welcome applications from candidates that have contributed to efforts that support diversity and inclusivity in the earth sciences. To apply, please send a copy of your CV (including a full list of publications), a statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to Andy Thompson ([email protected]).

Hiring range: $70,000/year to $75,000/year, depending on experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Click here to read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).