Post-Doctoral Fellow - Physical Oceanography

$60,000 - $70,000/Yr

Colorado School of Mines - Golden, CO

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Golden, CO

Educational Services

About the position

The Mines Oceanography research group invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position in air-sea interactions, focusing on extreme weather. The successful candidate's responsibility will be to assess the impact of ocean surface gravity waves on mediating air-sea fluxes at high winds, combining tools from coupled numerical modeling, observations, and theory. This project is part of the "Study on Air-Sea Coupling with Waves, Turbulence, and Clouds at High Winds (SASCWATCH)" sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and involves collaboration with researchers from several institutions. The candidate will be expected to run and analyze coupled ocean-atmosphere-wave models to assess the impact of surface waves on air-sea fluxes in preparation for SASCWATCH field campaigns. Additionally, they will combine existing in-situ observations from previous hurricanes with data from remote sensing satellites to identify gaps in observational strategies to be filled by SASCWATCH. The successful candidate will actively participate in science team meetings, design observational plans, and conduct real-time analysis during the observational period. Responsibilities also include writing peer-reviewed journal articles, releasing open-source software, and presenting findings at national and international conferences. The candidate is expected to work independently and collaboratively on projects requiring initiative, creativity, strong organizational skills, and effective communication. They should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary framework, supporting student researchers and contributing to the overall goals of the research group.

Responsibilities

• Run and analyze coupled ocean-atmosphere-wave models to assess the impact of surface waves on air-sea fluxes in preparation for SASCWATCH field campaigns.
• Combine existing in-situ observations from previous hurricanes with data from remote sensing satellites to identify gaps in observational strategies to be filled by SASCWATCH.
• Actively participate in science team meetings, observational plan design, and conduct real-time analysis during the observational period.
• Write peer-reviewed journal articles, release open-source software, and present at national and international conferences.

Requirements

• PhD in physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences, fluid dynamics, computer science or a related discipline.
• Strong programming skills (Python, data analysis tools, and some Fortran).
• Background in physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences, geophysical fluid dynamics, ocean waves, air-sea interactions, linear algebra, foundational probability and statistics, and analysis of oceanographic data.
• Strong organizational, communication (both oral and written), and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and motivation to work independently in a collaborative, interdisciplinary framework.
• Familiarity with version control (e.g., Git) and project management tools is a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with open-source software development.
• Familiarity with remote sensing data analysis.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package ranging from $60,000 to $70,000 per year.
• Access to discount programs through the State of Colorado.
• Free tickets for Mines Athletics home games.
• Access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes, training, swimming pool, etc.).
• Equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center.
• Access to the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP).
• Backup child and elder care services.
• Upcoming on-campus daycare center.