October 12, 2019

Postdoctoral research position in Atmospheric / Climate Science exploiting GNSS remote sensing at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

The recent development of techniques for profiling the atmosphere using airborne GNSS (GPS) remote sensing has led to a need for advanced modeling and processing to move towards a near-real time observational system. We are also looking for candidates interested in developing and testing data assimilation techniques for mesoscale models to address problems in understanding precipitation processes and improving forecasting. Areas of application include atmospheric rivers in the western US, where modeling techniques that have been targeted at the CONUS region do not necessarily produce the best results in the unique landforms and surfaces of California, in particular. Multi-scale interactions with the upstream Pacific Ocean environment also present challenges that we seek to address with new observations.  Another area of application is convective organization in equatorial and tropical regions.  Our lab focuses on using these unique aircraft observations of temperature and moisture at high vertical resolution to analyze and improve numerical weather prediction model output. The Post-Doc will work in a team with expertise in using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and expertise in the analysis of GNSS signals that are highly sensitive to atmospheric structure. We are involved in every component of the science from instrumentation and algorithm development, to observational studies and field campaigns, and detailed numerical modeling studies. NASA is funding our research group to work with GNSS / GPS radio occultation as a key observational technique with high future potential impact. The team collaborates closely with the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at SIO, providing additional resources for effective research endeavors.

We are currently searching for one or more postdoctoral researchers in the areas of atmospheric modeling and observations to develop new techniques for remote sensing and modeling precipitation. They type of skills a successful candidate can bring to the group include any of the following:

– Experience in numerical weather modeling, for example using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) or the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS).

– Experience in atmospheric remote sensing from microwave or GNSS signals, or general physics background in electromagnetic wave propagation or optics.

– Signal processing, GPU programming, artificial intelligence algorithms as applied to remote sensing signals.

– GNSS data analysis including signal tracking, precise positioning, and analysis of phase delays.

– Experience in data assimilation techniques for weather modeling.

– Experience in microphysical modeling and comparisons with hydrometeor observations.

– Experience in interpretation, analysis, and visualization of atmospheric data.

All applications are to be submitted in a single electronic pdf file to jhaase@ucsd.edu.

• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume that includes educational background, work experience, list of publications, contact information for three references, including email addresses, and language proficiency in Spanish and French as there are opportunities to participate in international collaborations.
• A one-page summary (abstract) of your doctoral dissertation
• A concise statement describing your research interests (two page maximum).

Please name the pdf file with the following format: lastname_phd-institute_postdoc.pdf, for example, smith_ucsd_postdoc.pdf

Applications will be accepted until the position(s) are filled. UCSD is an equal opportunity employer, with a strong institutional commitment to excellence through diversity.

In addition to this opportunity, for candidates with a strong interest and high potential to contribute to research in understanding barriers facing historically underrepresented groups in atmospheric science and geoscience, we can serve as postdoctoral mentors for applicants to the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. In particular, we encourage applications from those interested in exploring and evaluating research programs, curricula and teaching strategies designed to enhance participation of students from groups underserved by U.S. higher education and underrepresented in science and engineering. Include a description of these interests in the research statement. More information on this program, with an application deadline of Nov 1, 2019, can be found at, http://ppfp.ucop.edu/info

We are currently searching for one or more postdoctoral researchers in the areas of atmospheric modeling and observations to develop new techniques for remote sensing and modeling precipitation. (Haase Research Lab)