NASA Postdoctoral Program: Estimating and Studying the Global Ocean Ecology and Carbon Cycle Using Observations and Numerical Models

The ocean is estimated to have absorbed ~50% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions since the beginning of the industrial period. At steady state, based on preindustrial reservoir-size ratio and assuming a linear response, the ocean is expected to absorb ~95% of anthropogenic CO2. As humanity continues to burn fossil fuels and change land cover, the rate and manner (i.e., deviations from a linear response) in which the ocean and land respond to the atmospheric perturbation will determine atmospheric CO2 concentration and hence the amount of CO2 greenhouse climate forcing. For the above reasons, quantification and mechanistic understanding of the oceanic carbon cycle is the subject of active research.

We seek a postdoctoral scholar who will work with a state-of-the-art, data-assimilating ocean biogeochemistry model called ECCO-Darwin to explore (i) physical and biogeochemical interactions in the land-sea continuum, (ii) ocean acidification, or (iii) other carbon cycle aspects in general (e.g., air-sea CO2 exchange, oceanic sources/sinks). Such activities entail model development and evaluation, and working closely with the ECCO-Darwin team.

Candidates should have a recent PhD in Geosciences, Oceanography, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, or a related field. Previous experience with ocean carbon cycle models, ideally with the MITgcm, would be highly desirable. Programming skills (FORTRAN, MATLAB and/or Python) and expertise in model output analysis are essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and the ability to work efficiently in a team as well as independently are required.

For more info please visit:

https://npp.usra.edu/opportunities/details/?ro=19083

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