Postdoctoral Scholar in Physical/Chemical Oceanography (Bubble-Mediated Gas Exchange)

Description

The Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington (APL-UW) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join the NSF funded Collaborative Research Investigating Bubble-Mediated Gas Exchange in a Strongly Convective Ocean during the Bubble Exchange in the Labrador Sea (BELS) Experiment. The overarching objectives of the project are to better understand bubble processes and bubble-mediated gas transfer in strongly convective environments typical of the high-latitude ocean and to propose a revised parameterization suitable for the world’s ocean, including strongly convective environments. An associated objective is to quantify the effect of solubility and gas saturation anomaly on bubble-mediated gas transfer. The observational component of the project centers on the international (Canada, Germany, UK and USA) BELS experiment departing November 2023 to the Labrador Sea during which turbulent ocean currents, bubbles, and gases will be directly measured.

Specifically, the postdoctoral investigator will be expected to assist with collection and analysis of data obtained using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) equipped with dissolved gas sensors and acoustic sensors for currents and bubbles. Then use these data sets to estimate bubble mediated gas transfer rates and supersaturation levels from 1-D or 3-D budgeting approaches, including numerical model (LES) simulations, and compare these estimates to dual-tracer rates and eddy covariance rates. The postdoctoral scholar will work directly with Dr. Craig McNeil (APL-UW). 

In addition to disseminating results at major conferences and in peer-reviewed journals, postdocs are encouraged and mentored in writing grant proposals. A notable feature of APL postdoc positions is the ability to submit grant proposals as PIs under supervision, with the goal of establishing an independent research program and career path.

The postdoc will be based at the University of Washington – Seattle Campus. The start date is expected to be 1 September 2023 and the duration of appointment is 1 year (12 months), with the possibility of extension depending on performance and availability of funding.

Salary range: The salary range for this position will be $5,800 to $6,200 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Qualifications

We strive to promote greater diversity among applicants than is currently found in our field, and we strongly encourage applications from all groups that are underrepresented in the Geosciences. The position is open to capable doctoral recipients in research fields including oceanography, physics, applied math and other related fields; degrees not in the list above will also be considered.

Candidates must have data analysis skills (in Matlab or Python) and preferably experience with Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler’s or imaging sonars. Ability to communicate scientific results to both broad and expert audiences, orally and in writing, is indispensable to both this position and any subsequent appointments at APL-UW.

University of Washington postdoctoral scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experiences.

Application Instructions

Each applicant will be expected to submit:

1. A CV including demonstrated scholarly output (e.g., publications, presentations, data analysis code)
2. Cover letter to include current interest and how it aligns with the goals of this project.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact the UW's Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450, or 206-543-6452 (TTY), or dso@uw.edu.

Please contact Dr. Craig McNeil (cmcneil@uw.edu) for any questions about the position.