Postdoctoral Associate in Physical Oceanography

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The Department of Ocean Sciences of the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in Physical Oceanography.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a creative and motivated physical oceanographer to join a collaborative research effort investigating large-scale circulation of the North Atlantic Ocean. The successful candidate will contribute to scientific research at the intersection of the RAPID-MOCHA and OSNAP observational arrays — two of the premier mooring-based systems for monitoring the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and its variability. This is a unique opportunity to shape your own research agenda: the exact topic of research will be tailored to the abilities and interests of the successful candidate. Potential research directions include, but are not limited to:

• AMOC latitudinal connectivity and coherence — investigating the mechanisms (e.g., Ekman transport, boundary pressure signals, nonlinear boundary currents) that drive coherence or incoherence of AMOC signals across widely separated latitudes, using numerical ocean models and validated against observational time series from RAPID and OSNAP.
• SWOT satellite altimetry as a proxy for boundary current structure — developing novel methodologies to reconstruct boundary current velocity structures using swath data from the SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite, validated against in situ mooring observations at OSNAP and MOCHA. This avenue may incorporate machine learning techniques and has direct applications for array optimization and AMOC transport estimation.

Research Environment

The position based at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science of the University of Miami, a world-leading institution for ocean and climate research, located on the waterfront campus of Virginia Key in Miami, Florida. The initial appointment is for one year, subject to renewal for another year based on performance. The postdoctoral associate will work closely with Dr. Shane Elipot (University of Miami) — PI of the RAPID-MOCHA-WBTS array and Dr. Tiago Bilo (University of Maine) — PI of the OSNAP array.  The position is funded jointly through the NSF-funded MOCHA and OSNAP projects. If appropriate, the postdoctoral associate will have access to model outputs and high-performance computing resources at the University of Miami. While the position is officially based in Miami, flexible remote work arrangements and extended research visits to the University of Maine can be accommodated depending on the candidate's preferences and research focus. Participation in a RAPID-MOCHA cruise in April 2027 and an OSNAP summer 2028 cruise is possible.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography, Atmospheric Sciences, or a closely related field (degree must be conferred by the start date)
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Demonstrated interest in large-scale ocean circulation and/or climate dynamics
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-institutional team

Desired (one or more of the following)

• Experience with numerical ocean models
• Experience with in situ mooring observations and/or oceanographic data analysis
• Experience with satellite altimetry, including SWOT swath data
• Familiarity with machine learning or AI techniques applied to geophysical data
• Knowledge of AMOC observing systems (RAPID, MOCHA, OSNAP, or MOVE arrays)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

A cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and how your background aligns with this position A full curriculum vitae, including a list of publications Contact information for three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage early applications. The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive research community. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.
 

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Shane Elipot at the Department of Ocean Sciences, Rosenstiel School, University of Miami and Dr. Tiago Bilo ([email protected]) at the School of Marine Sciences and Climate Change Institute

University of Maine.

CORE JOB SUMMARY
The Post Doctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff. Moreover, the Post Doctoral Associate promotes institutional recognition through literal contributions to the scientific community.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
2. Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing.
3. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
4. Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
5. Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
6. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Doctorate degree in relevant field required

Experience:
No previous experience required

Certification and Licensing:
Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
• Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.

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