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Postdoctoral Research Associate
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Position Number: 5889954
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Geology, Earth Sciences & Oceanography

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Requisition Number: 60081
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 31-Jan-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) welcomes applications for a postdoctoral position in Climate Modelling based at NCAR/Climate and Global Dynamics Lab.

Research in the DiNezio Lab is passionate about understanding and predicting changes in the Earth's climate on timescales from seasons to millennia. We focus on the tropical oceans where natural and human-made changes have far-flung influences throughout the world. We explore the mechanisms driving these climate fluctuations using complex and conceptual numerical models combined with historical and paleo observations. We strive to produce research with societal relevance, such as the prediction of climate fluctuations and extremes and associated risks, while focusing on advancing our understanding of fundamental dynamics and physical processes. This research philosophy has allowed us to make impactful discoveries, including predictions of more frequent extreme El Nino under greenhouse warming, the emergence of unprecedented climate extremes in the Indian Ocean, as well as an anthropogenic transition to a persistent drought-inducing climate pattern in the North Pacific. We collaborate with the private sector assessing risks associated with climate variability and change, particularly in the agriculture and insurance sectors.

The position is part of a research project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seeking to understand the drivers of multi-decadal climate variability originating in the Pacific Ocean. This project will study physical processes and mechanisms in an ensemble of climate simulations performed with the high-resolution configuration of the Community Earth System Model - a model that can capture observed changes with unprecedented fidelity. The postdoctoral researcher will be co-mentored by Dr. Clara Deser at the National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The position will be based at NCAR's Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory offering opportunities for collaboration with a large research community interested in advancing the simulation and prediction of climate variability and change. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with deep knowledge of the coupled climate system, experience using climate models, and passion for producing impactful research.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) provides an elite, interdisciplinary research and educational environment to examine the dynamical, physical, and chemical processes that occur in the atmosphere and ocean. A major theme is the establishment of a physical basis for observing, modeling, and understanding climate and global change. To learn more about ATOC and the courses offered by the department, please visit our website.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The researcher will analyze existing numerical simulations performed with the high-resolution configuration of the Community Earth System Model and perform sensitivity experiments with its atmospheric component to quantify the influence of physical processes. This research requires experience processing large model outputs, applying statistical methods, diagnosing physical processes, and performing climate model simulations. The position requires familiarity with large-scale tropical air-sea interactions and modes of climate variability such as ENSO and PDV.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this position will be $75,000.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

The candidate should have, or be near to completing, a Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, physical oceanography, or a related field and have a strong interest in ocean-atmosphere dynamics and the study of climate variability and change.
Experience analyzing and performing global climate simulations is required.
Facility in written and verbal English are essential for publishing research papers and presenting results from the project.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV
Cover Letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of PhD: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional attachment.

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
For full consideration, please apply by January 31st, 2025.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate/60081