Posting Expiry
The Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the field of numerical modelling of coastal ocean circulation. The successful applicant will conduct research as part of a group investigating the dynamics and transport through coastal submarine canyons. The applicant will also collaborate with a group developing a coupled bio-chemical-physical model for the Salish Sea. Both models are based on the Nucleus of European Modelling (NEMO).
The position is for one-year, renewable for a second year and preferred start dates are September-October 2016. The application deadline is Jul 1, 2016 but will be extended if a suitable candidate has not been found.
Project and Responsibilities
Coastal submarine canyons are regions of enhanced cross-shelf break transport and thus understanding their dynamics is crucial for evaluating shelf carbon, oxygen and nutrient budgets. We have a well established program on the circulation around single canyons and are starting to investigate multiple canyons leading to the question of the net effect of all the canyons on their shelf-region. The example we will use is the West Coast of Vancouver Island (WCVI). In addition to being nearby, it also has significant available data for comparison. To accurately simulate the dynamics of multiple canyons in a region, we will use grid refinement. On the way to implementing grid refinement in a WCVI model, the postdoctoral position will start with grid refinement using the operational Salish Sea model. The incumbent will benefit from the expertise of two current post-doctoral fellows and will collaborate with a graduate student developing a carbon model for the Salish Sea. Using grid refinement, the model will be able to investigate pH and aragonite saturation state in a shellfish framing region.
The main goal is to implement the same type of grid refinement for a series of canyons in a shelf-region and answer long standing questions on the interaction between canyons, shelf-break fronts and coastal currents and the net impact on water quality on the shelf.
Additional responsibilities will include: grant reporting, publication of the results in peer-reviewed international journals and partial supervision of undergraduate and/or grad- uate students working on other aspects of the project. This position will be affiliated with MEOPAR (Marine Environment Observation Prediction and Response) Network but is funded through an NSERC Accelerator Grant.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
A Ph.D. together with a strong background in numerical modelling of ocean flows. Candidates with experience using NEMO are preferred. The position is for one-year, renewable for a second year and preferred start dates are September-October 2016 . Salary is dependent upon educational level and experience; the minimum salary is $47,000 per year plus benefits.
How to Apply
Applications, including a CV, copies of two relevant publications, and the names, e-mails and phone numbers of three referees should be sent to Dr. Susan Allen (sallen@eos.ubc.ca). The applications deadline is Jul 1, 2016 but it will be extended if a suitable candidate has not been found.
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.