[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral Position in Extreme Precipitation Events Diagnosis, University of California, Davis

[Christine Wiedinmyer]

Postdoctoral Position in Extreme Precipitation Events Diagnosis

At the University of California, Davis

The UC Davis Department of Land, Air and Water Resources seeks a 
postdoctoral scholar to be supervised by Prof. Richard Grotjahn and 
Prof. Paul Ullrich.A successful candidate is expected to begin in Fall 
2016.

The postdoctoral scholar position is in conjunction with Project 
Hyperion, a new and exciting multi-institutional Department of Energy 
project directed at nationwide stakeholder-driven regional climate data 
evaluation.In addition to research, prospective candidates are expected 
to engage with water manager and other related stakeholders to 
understand data needs. The project incorporates outreach related to four 
river basins (Sacramento-San Joaquin, Upper Colorado, Kissimmee, and 
Susquehanna). The successful applicant will work on projects described 
below related to the simulation, synoptics, and dynamics of the 
large-scale flow associated with extreme precipitation events in regions 
across the US. This project combines expertise in atmospheric synoptics, 
extreme value statistics, and climate modeling.

The research focuses on the development of software for extreme 
precipitation (PEx) detection and associated metrics. Example metrics 
include ETCCDI indices, 95% and 5% seasonal thresholds, fixed 
thresholds, and return period. A major component of this research will 
be the development of automated algorithms for PEx event detection and 
cause. The areas of extreme precipitation are first detected and then 
the causes of each area (frontal, cut-off low, tropical cyclone, 
convection, etc.) are identified from large scale patterns in relevant 
variables. These large-scale patterns will be the foundation for 
empirical statistical downscaling of PEx events.

These algorithms developed will be applied to historical data (primarily 
gridded and reanalysis datasets) and model output. The tasks above may 
require implementation of some extreme value statistics as well as 
preprocessing of the data.

A PhD in an atmospheric or closely related science is required. Some 
programming experience is required (preferably FORTRAN or C/C++). 
Knowledge of atmospheric dynamics and atmospheric modeling is strongly 
preferred. Also desired, but not required is experience with NCL, R, 
experience with large datasets, and/or expertise in extreme value 
statistics.

Demonstrable written and verbal communication skills are also required, 
as the successful applicant is responsible for the production of 
reports, journal articles and conference presentations and is encouraged 
to explore instructional activities and authorship of grants.

The position is open until filled. The initial appointment is for one 
year, with funding available for up to three years. Salary is 
commensurate with experience with an expected range of $50,123 to 
$56,385.The position includes vacation with supervisory approval and 
health care benefits (which includes family coverage).The position is 
covered by a collective bargaining unit.

To ensure consideration, a complete application packet should be 
submitted by 23 September 2016. Applications should be submitted 
electronically to Prof. Richard Grotjahn (grotjahn at ucdavis.edu) and 
include the following:

1.A cover letter of no more than 2 pages that outlines your interests 
and how they relate to this project. Include evidence of your experience 
and your expertise in synoptics, dynamics, global atmospheric modeling, 
statistics, and computer programming.

2.Your CV containing your contact information, your educational 
experience and degrees, lists of your publications and presentations, 
and any other academic information (e.g. TA experience) you feel is 
relevant. Publication lists with links to online papers are desirable.

3.Names and contact information for 3 references. The contact 
information should include postal mail address, telephone number(s), and 
email address for each reference.

4.Transcripts of your graduate education. Preferred, but not required 
are transcripts of undergraduate education (such transcripts are 
especially useful if your computer programming or meteorology coursework 
was mainly as an undergraduate).

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