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We're hiring! Three-Year, NSF-Funded Postdoc Position in Aerosols and Patterns of Climate Change

The University of Texas at Austin and the National Center for Atmospheric Research are seeking an enthusiastic early career scientist for a three-year, full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position as part of an NSF-funded project on anthropogenic aerosols and climate change. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with Dr. Geeta Persad at UT Austin in Austin, TX and Dr. Clara Deser at NCAR in Boulder, CO. 

 

The goal of the overarching project is to build comprehensive understanding of how and why the spatial pattern of anthropogenic aerosols’ climate influence evolves through time and how this interacts with GHG-induced climate change. The postdoctoral researcher will lead 1) analysis of earth system model (ESM) large ensemble datasets to establish the time evolution of spatial correlation in climate responses to aerosols and greenhouse gases and 2) execution and interpretation of novel ESM simulations to quantify the relative role of ocean and atmospheric processes in setting these patterns. There is scope for the researcher to define additional research areas of interest within these topics. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience working with global climate model large ensemble datasets and expertise in atmospheric, oceanic, and climate system physics.

 

The position is available to begin as soon as possible, preferably no later than June 2023, and is expected to be 3 years in duration. The position carries an annual salary of $65,000 (plus benefits) and funding for publications and travel to a professional conference each year. The researcher will be hired through the University of Texas at Austin and will have Visitor status at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.

 

The Postdoctoral Researcher will have access to mentorship, networking, and professional development resources offered through the Jackson School for Geosciences and the University of Texas. The Postdoctoral Researcher will also have access to extensive professional development programming and resources provided through NCAR Education, Engagement and Early-Career Development (EdEC). This includes monthly workshops and seminars on preparing application materials for academic and private sector positions, interview and networking skills, and media and science communication.  

 

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Geeta Persad (geeta.persad@jsg.utexas.edu) or Dr. Clara Deser (cdeser@ucar.edu) directly.

 

The deadline to submit applications for full consideration is March 1, 2023. Applicants should submit (1) a 1-2 page letter of interest detailing how the candidate satisfies required and preferred qualifications, their ability to fulfill the position responsibilities, and specific research areas of interest within the project topics; (2) their current CV; and (3) names and email address for 3 professional references. Applications should be submitted via the University of Texas at Austin Jobs Portal at https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UTstaff/details/DGS-Postdoctoral-Fellow_R_00025162  

Responsibilities:

●      Conduct scientific analysis to establish the time evolution of spatial correlations in the climate response to anthropogenic aerosols and greenhouse gases and to assess the underlying physical mechanisms using existing single forcing large ensemble simulations in global Earth System Models (ESMs).

●      Execute and analyze new ESM simulations in the NCAR Community Earth System Model version 2 to quantify the relative role of ocean vs. atmosphere processes in the transient spatial pattern of anthropogenic aerosols.

●      Lead writing of peer-reviewed publications and present findings at scientific conferences. 

●      Contribute scientific expertise across project activities led by other project team members.

●      Contribute to mentorship of a graduate student researcher.

 

Required Qualifications:

●      PhD in atmospheric science, climate science, or a related field received less than 5 years prior to date of hire.

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

●      Strong written and oral presentation skills.

  • Expertise in climate system physics and earth system modeling.

 

Working Conditions

  • May work around standard office conditions

  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

  • Occasional weekend, overtime and evening work to meet deadlines

  • Occasional interstate or intrastate travel

 

Required Materials

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Names and email addresses for 3 academic references

  • Letter of interest detailing how the candidate satisfies required and preferred qualifications and their ability to fulfill the position responsibilities

Persad Aero-Climate Group
@ UT Austin 
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