Research Assistant/Research Associate – University of Cambridge

MPOWIR Mentoring Physical Oceanography Women to Increase Retention; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Cambridge seeks a Research Assistant/Research Associate to join their Ocean Dynamics group. The successful candidate will work on an international project studying interactions between submesoscales and near-inertial currents using numerical simulations. Candidates should possess a PhD in a relevant field and have a strong background in fluid dynamics and simulation techniques. Applications are particularly encouraged from women and candidates from BME backgrounds.

Qualifications

• PhD in Oceanography, Earth Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field.
• Strong background in fluid dynamics and oceanography.
• Experience running numerical simulations (LES/DNS) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Use large-eddy simulations (LES) to study interactions between submesoscales and near-inertial currents.
• Work closely with Dr. Taylor and project team; develop and conduct research objectives.
• Assist in supervision of student projects and seminars.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Numerical simulations

Research in ocean dynamics

Education

PhD in Oceanography or related field

Job description

Overview

A position exists for a Research Assistant/Research Associate to join the Ocean Dynamics group under the supervision of Dr. John Taylor at the University of Cambridge from 1 October 2019 or by negotiation. The project will use numerical simulations to study the interactions between submesoscales, near-inertial oscillations, and boundary layer turbulence. This work is part of an international project called “Submesoscales Under Near Resonant Inertial Shear Experiment” (SUNRISE), a collaborative effort funded by the National Science Foundation and the Natural Environment Research Council. SUNRISE aims to test and refine theories on the interaction of submesoscale flows and near-inertial motions using numerical simulations and new observations in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Here, the Mississippi-Atchafalaya river plume forms a rich field of submesoscale eddies and fronts, which in the summer are driven by a land-sea breeze that forces inertial motions at near resonance, making this an ideal location to study the interactions between submesoscales and inertial oscillations.

Responsibilities

• Use large-eddy simulations (LES) to study the interaction between submesoscale and near-inertial currents in idealized configurations and in realistic configurations with initial conditions and forcing set from a regional model and observations.
• Work closely with Dr. Taylor and other members of the international project team to accomplish goals; develop and conduct individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects; plan and manage own research and administration; communicate material of a technical nature; build internal and external contacts.
• Assist in the supervision of student projects, the development of student research skills, provide instruction or plan/deliver seminars relating to the research area.
• Maintain experience with direct numerical simulations or large-eddy simulations; desirable.

Qualifications

• PhD in Oceanography, Earth Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, and a strong background in fluid dynamics and oceanography; experience running numerical simulations (LES/DNS) is desirable.
• Experience with running numerical simulations and a track record of research in ocean dynamics is preferred.

Application process

• Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system and apply online.
• Indicate the contact details of two academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae, a list of publications and a description of your recent research (not to exceed two pages).
• Ensure that at least one referee is contactable during the selection process.

We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.