Post Doctoral Research Associate – University of Cambridge

MPOWIR Mentoring Physical Oceanography Women to Increase Retention; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

Post Doctoral Research Associate – University of Cambridge

A position exists for a Post Doctoral Research Associate to join the Ocean Dynamics group at the University of Cambridge. The project will use high-resolution numerical simulations to study the turbulent boundary layer beneath a sloping ice shelf.

Ocean-driven melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets is causing sea-level rise, and climate models seek to forecast how this contribution will evolve over the coming centuries. However, these models cannot resolve the turbulent ocean processes governing melting, and parameterisation of these processes is limited by incomplete knowledge of the ocean boundary layer beneath ice shelves. The ice-ocean interface forms a unique geophysical setting, with a sloping, rotating, rough, reactive boundary that is extremely difficult to observe and model at the required spatial and temporal scales.

This project seeks to explore the fluid dynamics of the ocean boundary layer beneath ice shelves, and to create new parameterisations for turbulence and melting. The successful candidate will use high-resolution direct numerical and large-eddy simulations to study turbulence in the ice-shelf ocean boundary layer during melt conditions. The project is part of a collaboration between scientists in DAMTP and the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge. The successful candidate will be based in DAMTP, but will need to work closely and collaboratively with the whole project team.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Oceanography, Earth Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, and should have experience using numerical simulations. Experience with stratified turbulence, boundary layers, and/or ocean-ice interactions would be greatly desired.

Duties will include developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects. The role holder will be expected to plan and manage their own research and administration, with guidance if required, and to assist in the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies. You must be able to communicate material of a technical nature and be able to build internal and external contacts. You may be asked to assist in the supervision of student projects, the development of student research skills, provide instruction or plan/deliver seminars relating to the research area.