Postdoctoral position in physical oceanography – SWOT satellite data integration

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Applications are invited for an 18-month full-time postdoctoral position to work on the integration of the new SWOT satellite observations with in-situ measurements and high-resolution numerical modelling. Launched in December 2022, the Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission (SWOT, NASA/CNES) is now providing two-dimensional high-resolution observations of the sea surface topography, representing a major breakthrough in ocean observation. The overall objectives of this work are: 1) to assess the impact of SWOT measurements when assimilated in high-resolution regional ocean circulation models, and 2) improve our understanding of small-scale ocean dynamics through this integrated data-model analysis approach.

SPECIFIC TASKS

Understanding and characterization of SWOT uncertainties by comparison to in situ measurements.
Analysis of the signature of small-scale processes on the sea level variability in high-resolution numerical models.
Adaptation of the available data assimilation scheme to ingest SWOT satellite observations.
Performance and analysis of Observing System Experiments in different scenarios.
Analysis of small-scale dynamical processes and their impact on horizontal and vertical transports.

EDUCATION AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

- PhD in Physical Oceanography, Applied Mathematics, Atmospheric Sciences or similar.

- Strong computer programming skills in some of the following languages: C, Fortran, Matlab, Python, Bash.

- Experience in ocean modelling.

- Experience in data assimilation.

- Experience in the analysis of mesoscale and/or submesoscale ocean dynamics.

- Knowledge of SWOT altimeter satellite measurements.

- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively.

- Fluency in both spoken and written English.

- Good communication and interpersonal skills.

- Publication record appropriate to the career stage.

OTHER INFORMATION

The successful candidate will join the TMOOC research group (Marine Technologies, Operational Oceanography and Coastal Oceanography) as part of the Oceanography and Global Change department at the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA), a joint research center of the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) and the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), presently recognized as a center of Excellence Maria de Maeztu by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. The offered position is funded by the SWINT project (reference CNS2023-145542 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033 and by the European Union “NextGenerationEU”/PRTR). The successful candidate will work closely with the researchers involved in the FaSt-SWOT project, which is focused on the detailed analysis of SWOT and in-situ observations during the initial satellite fast-sampling phase. Collaborations are expected with the international SWOT Science Team and the Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System (SOCIB).

HOW TO APPLY?

Please send a CV together with a short cover letter explaining your suitability and motivation for this position to Baptiste Mourre (bmourre@imedea.uib-csic.es). You may use the same email address for informal inquiries about the position. The formal application process will be finalized later through the dedicated CSIC platform.

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