Position Description
The Polar Science Center at the Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to study the physical and optical characteristics of melting Arctic sea ice. Research Associates in the Applied Physics Laboratory have an annual service period of 12 months.
The successful applicant will contribute to a National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored project observing and modeling the physics of Arctic sea ice in a rapidly changing climate. This position will combine observational and modeling approaches for the purpose of improving treatment of sea ice in numerical climate models. Responsibilities of the position include design and execution of laboratory and field experiments, collection of data in the lab and field, data analysis and synthesis, model parameterization development, manuscript preparation, and presentation of results at national meetings. The position is based in Seattle, WA with extended travel. Close collaboration with scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research will be central to the work. Participation in a multi-national field campaign during summer 2020 for the collection of observational data will be expected. The position will require preparation for this field experiment, travel and participation in the data collection effort aboard an icebreaker, and post expedition data processing and synthesis, including the development of model parameterizations of sea ice processes to be used in global climate modeling studies. Laboratory work will be carried out in a walk-in freezer laboratory at the University of Washington. The position will be supervised by Dr. Bonnie Light (http://psc.apl.uw.edu/people/investigators/bonnie-light/).
While the successful candidate will primarily be engaged in research, all University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research and service. Opportunities to collaborate with scientists across APL and the UW campus provide access to a broad range of disciplines, cultures and academic backgrounds.
The University of Washington is located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, with a dynamic, multicultural community of 3.7 million people and a range of ecosystems from mountains to ocean. The University serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff, including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students, and faculty from over 70 countries. The University promotes diversity and inclusivity among our students, faculty, and staff and the public; we seek applicants who are committed to these principles. Thus, we are strongly seeking applicants whose research, teaching, and/or service have not only prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion but have also given them the confidence to fully engage audiences in higher education from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.
The position offers salary commensurate with experience, as well as the University’s excellent comprehensive benefits package to include health/vision/dental plans including spouse, domestic partner and/or dependents. Details are available at: Benefits Summary for Faculty with Appointments of 9 – 12 Months
Qualifications
The successful applicant will have a Ph.D. in atmospheric, oceanic, climate or earth sciences, or a closely- related discipline awarded since March 2016. Demonstrated laboratory and prior field experience in low temperature environments are strongly recommended. Excellent skills in scientific deduction and strong proclivities for working independently and in a team environment are highly desirable. The intended duration of this position is 36 months. During this time the successful candidate will be expected to participate in the MOSAiC Field Campaign during summer 2020,data analysis, and development of model parameterizations in conjunction with colleagues at NCAR.
Instructions
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Lowell Jones at 206-221-9071 or lojones@apl.uw.edu
Applications will be considered until position is filled. Ideal start date is 1 April 2019.
Applicants are asked to submit:
(1) a letter of introduction (3 pages max. that addresses qualifications described above)
(2) CV and list of publications
(3) The names and contact information of three references
Questions about the job may be directed to bonnie@apl.uw.edu