Research Fellow In Cloud And Precipitation Modelling

Job no: 0061944
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 2 years
Faculty: Science
Department/School: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Salary: Level A – AUD $101,460 – $108,906 p.a. plus 17% super (retirement savings plan)

• Join us in conducting high-resolution simulations to study cloud-climate interactions over the Great Barrier Reef and Southwest Pacific trade wind region.
• Engage in groundbreaking research on climate impact, fostering collaboration and advancing expertise in advanced modelling techniques.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role
We're seeking a postdoctoral researcher in atmospheric science to study cloud-climate interactions over the Great Barrier Reef and Southwest Pacific trade wind region. The role involves conducting high-resolution simulations to understand how trade wind clouds and precipitation may change under a warming climate and their impacts on the reef environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Under the guidance and support of Senior Academic staff, conduct internationally competitive research, resulting in publications in high impact journals on topics relevant to the project.
• Perform and analyse idealised high-resolution simulations (at sub-kilometre grid spacing) to investigate potential responses of the trade wind clouds to a range of climate change perturbations relevant for the Great Barrier Reef and Southwest Pacific region.
• Extend the high-resolution simulations to understand potential precipitation changes over the downwind rainforest along the Northeast Queensland coast, in response to the simulated cloud changes under different forcing scenarios.
• Through collaborations with researchers from partner organisations, couple the future cloud changes with the CSIRO eReefs modelling system (which includes mechanistic representation of coral bleaching processes including light and temperature effects) to understand how the future cloud changes might impact the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.

Who We Are Looking For
You will bring your genuine interest and research experience in shallow convection, cloud/precipitation dynamics, and physics. Additionally, you will demonstrate a proven ability to publish consistently in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals, showcasing a strong publication record aligned with your experience and opportunities.

You will also have:

• A PhD in atmospheric science or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge in atmospheric science including Tropical Meteorology.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in high-resolution modelling using large-eddy model simulation (LES) and/or cloud-resolving model (CRM) on high-performance computing system.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and performing numerical experiments (including modifications of model codes where appropriate) to investigate cloud and precipitation processes.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is available for this position. 

Your New Team – “The School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences“
The School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences was formally established in 2021, following the merger of the Schools of Geography and Earth Sciences. The new School synergises discipline strengths in geography, atmospheric science and geoscience. In addition to internationally recognised discipline expertise, we have strengths in a number of multi-disciplinary areas including: climate change; resource futures; space, place and social change; environmental hazards; Indigenous knowledge; and Earth system interactions. With strengths in both the spatial (local to global) and temporal (deep time as well as recent) dimensions of environmental change, the School is committed to achieving a better future for our students, society and the environment. 

Science at Melbourne is a global leader across fundamental and impactful scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system. We aim to be leaders who positively impact the community locally and globally, addressing major societal issues from climate change to disease. Our discoveries help build an understanding of the world around us.

We have more than 150 years of experience in pioneering scientific thinking and analysis, leading to outstanding teaching and learning and offer a curriculum based on highly relevant research. We aim to train students with the knowledge and intellectual flexibility to drive the industries of tomorrow and lead across all levels of society.

What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits  page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website  and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .   

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at [email protected] , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Anna Gradoboeva via email at [email protected] , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Position Description