Research Associate in Ocean Modelling

Apply now Job no:499951
Work type:Full time
Location:Hobart
Categories:Research Focused

Research Associate in Ocean Modelling

• Collaboration and community focussed
• Technical expertise along with a passion for discovery and intellectual curiosity
• Full time, Fixed-Term (3 years – potential to extend), Based in Hobart

About the opportunity

We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate (Level B) in Ocean Modelling in the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, which is part of College of Sciences and Engineering at the University of Tasmania. This initial fixed term contract will be for three years with funding available for an extension up to the seven year life of the Centre.

The position is fully funded by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Weather of the 21st Century (hereafter, ‘the Centre’), and the incumbent will contribute to and benefit from being a part of the Centre community. The Centre is a major seven-year initiative funded by the Australian Research Council. The Centre is a consortium of 24 partners led by Monash University in strong collaboration with The University of Melbourne, The University of New South Wales, The Australian National University, and the University of Tasmania.

The Centre’s research is focused on how Australia’s weather is being reshaped by climate change. The Centre conducts blue-sky research with real-world applications for industry, government, and communities. The research program encompasses three major interconnected research themes focused on Weather Systems – Variability and Change, Weather Resources and Risks, and Modelling. These themes collectively comprise five research projects: Weather Systems and Climate Variability, Weather Systems in a Warmer World, Weather Resources, High Impact Events, and Modelling and its application to fine-scale coupling and upscale effects.

This position will provide ocean modelling and analysis capacity to all of the Centre’s Projects as required. In close collaboration with all Centre Project, the Research Associate will develop and apply eddy-rich ocean and very high resolution coupled models and use them to better understand fine-scale air sea interactions and their role in weather and climate variability.

What you’ll do:

• Work within the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Weather of the 21st Century, employed through the partner node University of Tasmania within the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. The researcher will help coordinate research activities with researchers across the Centre.
• Develop eddy-rich ocean models and couple them to very high resolution atmospheric models to gain quantitative insight into the complex coupling between the ocean and atmosphere. Use these fine scale models to understand mesoscale and sub-mesoscale ocean dynamics and their impacts on air–sea interactions and their role in weather and climate variability.
• Questions include: How sensitive is the representation of ocean stratification, instabilities, and turbulence at fronts to model resolution? How do fine-scale air–sea interactions impact ocean upwelling, mixing, biogeochemical transfers and the marine atmospheric boundary layer? How important are wave–current and wave–wind interactions to wind stress, heat flux, and marine atmospheric boundary layer variations?
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

What we’re looking for:

• A PhD or equivalent in fluid dynamics, physical oceanography, atmospheric science, applied mathematics or an equivalent field.
• Demonstrable knowledge of ocean processes and/or air-sea coupling.
• Demonstrable knowledge of developing/configuring/running ocean and/or coupled climate models.
• Experience in analysing atmosphere or ocean weather systems in model simulations.
• Programming experience in python, MATLAB, or other high-level language.
• Evidence of research that has produced high-quality publications and presentations at conferences.
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and in a team, as well as with colleagues at other Centre nodes and partner organisations.
• Commitment to equity and diversity principles and to contributing to an inclusive culture in the workplace.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level B and will have a total remuneration package of up to $147,083 comprising base salary within the range of $108,285 to $125,712 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide the following supporting documentation:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role
  • Your responses to the success criteria from the Position Description below
• For further information about this position, please contact Associate Professor Paul Spence, Associate Professor of Physical Oceanography, [email protected] or 03 6226 6886
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 499951 - Research Associate in Ocean Modelling.pdf

Applications close Sunday, 19 May 2024, 11.55pm

Advertised:17 Apr 2024 Tasmania Standard Time
Applications close:19 May 2024 Tasmania Standard Time