Postdoctoral Researchers - Study Madden Julian Oscilliation (MJO)
NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
Princeton University
Princeton, New Jersey USA
Initial consideration will be given to applications received prior to 4:00 p.m. (MST), Monday, 4 January 2016. Thereafter,
applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.
The UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs, in cooperation with NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) is seeking
applications for Postdoctoral Researchers to study Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO). There are two positions, (1) Study tropical
convection and its variability in newly developed GFDL climate models, and (2) Support a NOAA CPO-CVP award entitled
"Towards an improved understanding of the initiation and propagation of the Madden-Julian Oscillation”.
Postdoctoral Researcher working with NOAA GFDL
The successful candidate will use process-oriented diagnostics to study tropical convection and its variability such as the Madden
Julian Oscillation (MJO) in newly developed GFDL climate models (AM4/CM4). The position is located at the NOAA Geophysical
Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL), Princeton, New Jersey.
This candidate will also:
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Work with a team of scientists and software engineers to implement process-oriented diagnostics into the existing
workflow and use them to evaluate the performance of the newly developed GFDL climate models (AM4/CM4).
Initial emphasis will be placed on tropical convection and its variability such as the Madden Julian Oscillation
(MJO).
The work will serve as a proof of concept for a number of other diagnostic packages currently under development.
The expectations are to conduct various sensitivity experiments and budget/process analyses with a goal to better
understand the behaviors of the parameterized and resolved convection, and its interactions with clouds, radiation,
and large-scale circulation in fully coupled GCMs.
Under the supervision of the project’s PI, the incumbent will play a lead role in publicizing the scientific findings by
attending conferences, workshops, and working group meetings, and by publishing in peer-reviewed journal
Decision Making & Problem Solving
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This candidate will solve routine and difficult problems under the supervision of the project’s PI,a team of university
PI’s, and software engineers, and
Will be expected to interact closely with model developers at GFDL.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
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A thorough knowledge in tropical meteorology, tropical convection, clouds, and their interactions with circulations
and boundary layer processes are required to perform the job.
Good computer skills with experience in Fortran, Unix shell scripting and analysis software tools such as Matlab,
Grads, NCL.
Ability to work independently in a scientific research environment.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Understanding of the methods and procedures for conducting scientific research.
Ability to travel as needed.
Education and Experience
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PhD in atmospheric or oceanic sciences, or a closely related field
Other Requirements
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This position is limited to candidates who have received their PhD’s within the past five years.
Extensive experiences in numerical modeling and coupled GCM process analyses are preferred.
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Candidates should be highly self-motivated, and have a strong background in tropical meteorology, tropical
convection, clouds and air-sea interaction.
Postdoctoral Researcher working with NOAA GFDL in conjunction with UCLA/JPL
The successful candidate will support a NOAA CPO-CVP award co-led by GFDL and UCLA entitled "Towards an improved
understanding of the initiation and propagation of the Madden-Julian Oscillation”. The position is located at the NOAA Geophysical
Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL), Princeton, New Jersey.
This candidate will also:
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Work with GFDL and UCLA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (UCLA/JPL) scientists to conduct a thorough analysis of
the MJO mechanisms simulated by next generation GFDL climate model (CM4) and compare the model results with
observations and reanalysis products.
Confront the model and observational results to existing MJO theories to bridge the gap between simulations and
understanding of the MJO mechanisms.
Conduct various numerical experiments to explore key aspects of model physics important to simulated MJO
characteristic with a goal to provide robust understanding and improvement in GCM simulations of MJO.
Will publish scientific papers/report and present the results of the analysis of the models and observations to GFDL
scientists, management, and at conferences/workshops.
Decision Making & Problem Solving
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This candidate will solve routine and difficult problems under the supervision of projects PI’s at GFDL, and
Will work with a collaborative team of scientists at both GFDL and UCLA/JPL.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
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A comprehensive knowledge of tropical meteorology, tropical intraseasonal variability.
Strong background in numerical modeling and numerical analysis are required.
Good computer skills with experience in Fortran, Unix shell scripting and analysis software tools such as Matlab,
Grads, NCL.
Ability to work independently in a scientific research environment.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Understanding of the methods and procedures for conducting scientific research.
Ability to travel as needed.
Education and Experience
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PhD in atmospheric or oceanic sciences, or a closely related field
Other Requirements
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This position is limited to candidates who have received their PhD’s within the past five years.
Candidates should be highly self-motivated and have extensive experience in numerical modeling and processing
and analysis of large datasets.
Employees of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) are subject to and covered by UCAR policies with
respect to all personnel matters. The selected candidate will receive a fixed annual salary. Benefits include health and dental insurance,
sick and annual leave, paid holidays, mandatory participation in a retirement fund (TIAA/CREF), and life insurance. We are not
offering relocation, but will support Visa's.
Initial consideration will be given to applications received prior to 4:00 p.m. (MST), Monday, 4 January 2016.Thereafter,
applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.
Please visit the VSP website for application details.
http://www.vsp.ucar.edu/opportunities/
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research is an EO/AAE who values and encourages diversity in the workplace.