[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoc available: Simulating fine-scale effects of Amazon deforestation on the regional water cycle and agriculture.

[mspritch]

Postdoc available: Simulating fine-scale effects of Amazon deforestation on the regional water cycle and agriculture.

A joint position between Paulo Brando <mailto:pbrando at uci.edu> & Mike Pritchard <mailto:mspritch at uci.edu>’s groups at UC Irvine. Posted September 2020.

The Department of Earth System Science at the University of California, Irvine is looking for a postdoctoral research associate interested in an interdiscplinary research project examining potential feedbacks between Amazon deforestation and associated forced changes in the regional atmospheric water cycle that impact agriculture production/expansion. The project focuses on running high-resolution (storm-resolving to eddy-permitting) regional climate simulations, across a spectrum of experiments ranging from the idealized (for process understanding) to the highly realistic (for analyzing ramifications of different policy scenarios). The project benefits from collaborations within Prof. Brando, Prof. Pritchard and Prof. Randerson’s research groups as well as with Dr. Michael Coe from the Woodwell Climate Research. The term of appointment is for one year, and renewable for one more year, subject to satisfactory progress. The start date is flexible, but we are eager to hire soon, and hope to fill the position by November 2020.

A Ph.D. in atmospheric science, climate science, or other related fields is required. A strong foundational background in regional climate simulation is recommended. Well-qualified candidates will be knowledgeable about, or equipped to rapidly learn -- turbulent planetary boundary layer dynamics, large-eddy simulation, land-use change dynamics, and climate projections (e.g., working with CMIP5 and CMIP6 model outputs).  Computational fluency is a plus for this position, as well as for candidates who are comfortable in dealing with large data sets. Responsibilities will include running simulations on high performance supercomputers and especially detailed iterative analysis of the processes at play in the model output, focusing on the relationship between deforestation forcing (separating effects of surface wind stress, albedo, and water use efficiency) and associated responses in the buoyant and mechanical turbulent mixing of the lower atmosphere and storage of subsurface soil moisture. Results are to be presented at major international conferences (e.g., AGU), and the postdoctoral researcher is expected to lead hypothesis-driven publications.  The position is funded jointly and will be co-mentored by the Brando and Pritchard labs. Pritchard’s group can provide mentoring in high performance computing, large eddy simulation, and analysis of water cycle dynamics.  Brando and Coe’s mentoring will focus on land-use dynamics, biosphere-atmosphere interactions, and forest conservation implications for the project’s results.

The Earth System Science Department at UC Irvine is a highly interdisciplinary environment comprising ~ 25 faculty with expertise across many components of the Earth System, including atmospheric and climate dynamics, land surface processes, terrestrial and marine biogeochemical cycles, ice sheets, and human systems. The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment especially for those traditionally unerreprestented in STEM higher education. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. If interested please, e-mail Paulo Brando <mailto:pbrando at uci.edu> and Mike Pritchard <mailto:mspritch at uci.edu> with a brief statement of research interest and current CV including contact info for 3-4 references.

 

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Mike Pritchard
Associate Professor
Dept of Earth System Sciences
University of California, Irvine
https://sites.uci.edu/pritchard

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