Ocean / Ice Boundary Layer Modeller – Cambridge, UK

MPOWIR Mentoring Physical Oceanography Women to Increase Retention; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental research organization in Cambridge is seeking a researcher to model turbulent processes governing ocean melting beneath ice shelves. The successful candidate will perform high-resolution simulations and develop ocean column models. A first degree in physical science/mathematics and a PhD are required. This role offers the chance to contribute to impactful research addressing sea-level rise.

Benefits

Flexible start date

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of physical processes governing ocean melting.
• Experience in running high-resolution simulations.
• Proficiency in developing ocean models.

Responsibilities

• Perform very-high-resolution simulations with ocean models.
• Develop ocean column models matching simulation results.
• Test and develop parameterizations of melting and vertical mixing.
• Evaluate parameterizations in a coarser sub-ice-shelf cavity model.

Skills

Ocean modeling

Mathematical analysis

Parameterization development

Understanding of turbulence

Education

First degree in physical science/mathematics

PhD or equivalent

Tools

MITgcm

NEMO

Job description

Overview

The Antarctic Ice Sheet is losing ice, causing sea-level rise. This ice loss is caused largely by changes in ocean melting of floating glacial ice shelves. It is therefore essential that we are able to understand this melting in order to determine Antarctica’s future contribution to sea-level rise. The rate at which glacial ice melts in the ocean is controlled by heat and salt transfer through a turbulent ocean boundary layer next to the ice. This project will use very-high-resolution models to test physical theories about the processes operating in this boundary layer and their effect on melting. These processes will then be parameterised for use in global climate models.

Informal enquiries about the post are very welcome and should be addressed to Dr. Paul Holland ([e-mail]).

Purpose

To model the turbulent processes governing ocean melting beneath ice shelves, and to parameterise these processes within coarser models.

Qualifications

First degree in physical science/mathematics plus PhD (or equivalent).

Duties

• Perform very-high-resolution simulations with an ocean model, such as the MITgcm or NEMO, to understand the influence of horizontal advection on the ice/ocean boundary layer.
• Develop an ocean column model capable of matching the results of these simulations and Large-Eddy Simulations run by collaborators.
• Test and develop parameterisations of melting and vertical mixing.
• Evaluate these parameterisations in a coarser sub-ice-shelf cavity model.
• To undertake other duties as requested by the Director of BAS

On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.bas.ac.uk/vacancies

These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: [phone].

Please quote reference: BAS 70/17a

Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 25th March 2018

Interviews are scheduled to be held on: w/c 16th April 2018

Proposed start date: Flexible

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.

From April 2018, the British Antarctic Survey, a component part of the Natural Environment Research Council, will be part of UK Research and Innovation. UK Research and Innovation will bring together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and a new organisation, Research England. The vision for the new organisation is to be the best research and innovation organisation in the world. More information can be found online at http://www.ukri.org. From April 2018, you will be employed by UK Research and Innovation.

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