Physical Oceanographer

Physical Oceanographer

BAS - British Antarctic Survey

Cambridge, United Kingdom

GBP 42,688 - 46,957 per year

Purpose:

We are seeking a physical oceanographer with experience in the manipulation and analysis of large ocean model datasets and the publication of subsequent results. This post will focus on delivering two main tasks within the Horizon Europe SYNCHRONY project: 1) Using an offline particle trajectory package applied to a very high-resolution ocean model, simulate Antarctic continental shelf drift trajectories of virtual profiling floats and establish likely trajectories between satellite surface location fixes. 2) Analyse Southern Ocean water mass properties and circulation under future climate change scenarios from the CMIP7 suite of coupled climate models.

Duties:

• Undertake analysis of high-resolution ocean models and implement particle tracking routines over the continental shelves – simulating float trajectories;
• Undertake analysis of CMIP7 model output, focusing on Southern Ocean water mass dynamics and change;
• Manage the datasets and code base of the above analysis;
• Write, publish and communicate scientific findings resulting from this analysis and associated research. This includes delivering specific Horizon Europe milestones and deliverables;
• Participate in meetings of the Horizon Europe SYNCHRONY project and communicate findings to, and proactively collaborate with, partners;
• Work collaboratively with other members of the Polar Oceans team, including, but not limited to:
  • Presenting research at national/international conferences and meetings;
  • Liaising with external visitors including seminar speakers; and
  • Assisting with communication activities to promote the work of the Polar Oceans team both internally within BAS and externally to other academics, policy makers and/or the general public.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

• Excellent understanding of ocean and global climate dynamics;
• Demonstrated competence of ocean model data analysis and experience of interpreting numerical simulations, particularly focussing on geophysical fluid dynamics;
• PhD in ocean/climate dynamics or equivalent postgraduate experience;
• Strong numerical ability consistent with manipulating, analysing and interpreting sparse observational data from multiple sources;
• Experience in manipulating and analysing observational datasets;
• Ability to manage project workflow and balance time/resources between projects;
• Proficient in written and spoken English language;
• Proven ability to present research effectively in written and oral form with examples of publication in leading journals;
• Track record of independent research and associated decision making;
• Able to work as part of a team within the SYNCHRONY project and across the EU partner institutions;
• Flexible and adaptable.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated understanding of Southern Ocean and continental shelf seas dynamics;
• Experience with numerical particle tracking simulations;
• Experience with CMIP class model analysis;
• Ability to manage and interpret large datasets, notably hierarchies of models at various resolutions or large ensembles;
• Experience with modelling and model analysis;
• Experience with Southern Ocean based datasets;
• Experience with deployment of ocean instrumentation;
• Able to communicate detailed technical information clearly and concisely to a range of stakeholders;
• Understanding of how BAS science fits into a wider perspective.