Postdoctoral Research Fellowship on Permafrost Modeling
A position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow is available at the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Norway. The position is from 1 October 2016 for a period of 2 years. No one can be appointed for more than one fixed-term period at the same institution.
The candidate will mainly work in the newly funded PERMANOR (“Permafrost landscapes in transformation – from local-scale processes to the global model NorESM”) and SatPerm (“Satellite-based permafrost modeling across a range of scales”) projects, as well as in COUP (“Constraining uncertainties in the permafrost-carbon feedback”). The three projects have a common focus on scaling of permafrost processes from plot to ESM scale, with the goal of improving the representation of permafrost processes in land-surface models. The candidate will become part of a research group with five PostDocs and PD students led by Sebastian Westermann.
Description
The CryoGrid 3 permafrost model is a land-surface scheme written in MATLAB with relatively simple numerics, so that new processes can be implemented in a relatively easy way. CryoGrid 3 is a major tool in all projects, and the candidate will take a leading role in developing the model further. A particular focus will be the implementation of lateral fluxes of snow, water and heat between different model tiles, so that crucial interactions controlling permafrost landscape dynamics can be simulated. Through this, we expect significant progress in modeling e.g. thermokarst development, but also the ground thermal regime in alpine areas characterized by strong wind drift of snow.
Field data sets specifically designed for validation of such model schemes are available from Norway, Svalbard and Siberia, and the candidate is also expected to actively take part in field work. Furthermore, the candidate will closely collaborate with Earth System Model (ESM) developers in PERMANOR, with the goal to implement CryoGrid 3 parameterizations in larger-scale circulation models. Our two main platforms in PERMANOR are the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM). Scientific publications in international journals are expected.
Qualifications
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates will be selected in accordance with this and are expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials. Applications are encouraged from dedicated candidates with excellent writing skills and the ability to work in a highly team-orientated environment.
The successful candidate should have a PhD degree or the equivalent awarded by a Geoscience, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science faculty (or similar), with a strong background in numerical modeling. Candidates without a background in permafrost studies are encouraged to apply, but previous experience with one or more of the following topics is beneficial: snow cover modeling, surface energy balance modeling, glacier mass balance modeling, as well as adaptive grid, clustering and/or neural network methods.
The successful candidate should further demonstrate:
- Technical expertise in programming, in particular MATLAB
- Evidence of creativity and capability of independent research
- Ability and willingness to participate in field work in high-latitude and alpine environments
A good command of English is required.
Our group
The position is affiliated with the Section for Physical Geography and Hydrology, which has long-term experience in investigating the terrestrial cryosphere (permafrost, snow, glaciers) and is involved in various high-level research projects and centers.
We offer a lively, friendly and collaborative research environment in cold regions sciences, in particular in cryospheric sciences, remote sensing, geohazards, and geomatics. We are determined to providing an excellent working environment with flat hierarchies in interdisciplinary research teams. We participate in projects by the European Union and the European Space Agency such that the successful candidate will have excellent opportunity to participate in international research networks.
Salary
Position code 1352, Pay Grade: 57 – 65 (NOK 483 700 – 560 700 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority).
In accordance with the University of Oslo's equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.
The application must include:
- Application letter including a statement of research interests
- CV and publication list (summarizing education, positions and academic work, and other qualifying activity)
- Copies of educational certificates and transcript of records
- If available, a copy of the PhD thesis
- List of other academic works and publications and/or awards and stipends that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system (if applicable). Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.
Contacts
Dr. Sebastian Westermann
Telephone: +47 22855927
Questions regarding Easycruit, contact Olaf Kristian Sund
Telephone: +47 22855444
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/1659601/64289?iso=no