The Climate System Research Center (CSRC) at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst serves to advance understanding of the nature and causes of climate change, and the effects that those changes have had on the environment. This research leads to a better understanding of how the climate system functions. Its mission emphasizes high quality climate research at an international level, the education and training of student scholars, and outreach to the public through interactions with the media and public lectures. CSRC scholars engage the broader scientific community by publishing peer-reviewed journal articles, presenting results at conferences, and participating in working groups examining climate system dynamics.
Overview
The CSRC seeks a highly self-motivated and qualified candidate to work on development and implementation of process modeling of hydrological and biogeochemical flows in arctic environments. The appointment is affiliated with the Beaufort Lagoons LTER (https://ble.lternet.edu/) and NASA ABoVE (https://above.nasa.gov/). Overarching research goals center on quantifying the timing and magnitude of terrestrial water, carbon, and energy exports to coastal zones and assessments of the associated impacts of hydrological cycle intensification and permafrost thaw. The successful candidate will lead efforts to develop and implement model algorithms including, but not limited to, the subsurface flows of water and carbon and the processing of dissolved organic carbon during river transit to coastal zones. The scholar will add components to a coupled modeling framework, analyze simulation estimates, and publish results. There will be opportunities to develop and pursue novel hypotheses in the context of project goals. Applicants must have completed a Ph.D by the time of appointment. The initial appointment will be for one year with renewal contingent on satisfactory performance. Anticipated start date is September-October 2021. The University of Massachusetts provides a comprehensive benefits package to Postdoctoral Researchers.
Essential Qualifications
- Ph.D degree in earth system science, geography, ecology, physics or a related field.
- Experience in developing, testing, and implementing hydrology or land surface models.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with the Linux operating system, shell scripting, Fortran and/or C/C++, R, Python, Latex, and the ability to work in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
- Experience in analysis and processing of large data sets.
- Familiarity with the use of remote sensing data from satellite and airborne platforms such as AMSR, AVHRR, AVIRIS, MODIS, and SMAP.
- Knowledge of the climate, hydrology, biogeochemistry of Arctic environments in the context of model development and application.
- Excellence in research as demonstrated through publication of manuscripts in refereed journals and presentations at scholarly conferences.
To Apply
Applicants should submit a cover letter describing relevant experience and qualifications, and a curriculum vitae, to Michael Rawlins. Letters of recommendation will be sought from qualified candidates. All applications should speak directly to the candidate’s ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and engage effectively in scholarly research. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) of women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Applications from these and other protected groups are highly encouraged.
