Postdoctoral Positions in Polar Science
NERC Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling (CPOM)
University College London (UCL)
Application Deadline: Friday, 14 October 2005
For further information, please go to:
http://www.cpom.org
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Centre for Polar
Observation and Modelling (CPOM) is a joint venture between University
College London (UCL) and the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge whose
purpose is to research the role of the cryosphere in the Earth's
climate. Its present programme concerns sea ice and the polar oceans as
they moderate global oceanic circulation, and the mass balance of large
ice sheets as they affect global sea level. These problems are addressed
through theory, numerical modelling and observation, particularly those
of satellite geodesy and radiometry. In addition, CPOM provides the
scientific leadership for the European Space Agency's CryoSat mission,
the first satellite specifically designed to monitor the polar ice
masses.
CPOM has four postdoctoral posts at UCL available:
Post I. Coupling an ocean model with a sea ice model. The purpose of
this project is to couple a model of ocean circulation to the CPOM sea
ice model. The coupled sea ice-ocean model will be used to simulate the
sea ice cover and the model will be calibrated and tested using
satellite and submarine observations and used to diagnose and predict
climactic trends of the ice cover. Candidates must have a Ph.D., or
equivalent experience, in the Physical or Mathematical Sciences
involving computational modelling. An additional post in polar
oceanography is available in CPOM-Bristol, and the candidate should
indicate if interested in this. This work is under the supervision of
Dr. Daniel Feltham (dlf [at] cpom.ucl.ac.uk).
Post II. Simulation of dense shelf water flow and bottom water
formation. The purpose of this post is to develop and apply a high
resolution model of ocean flow to the study of the flow of dense, high
salinity shelf water down a continental slope, where it can contribute
to bottom water formation. Such flows are important in determining the
formation of Antarctic Bottom Water, which regulates the southern end of
the global thermohaline circulation. Where possible, model results will
be compared with observations. Candidates must have a Ph.D., or
equivalent experience, in the Physical or Mathematical Sciences
including computational modelling of fluid flows. This work is under the
supervision of Dr. Daniel Feltham (dlf [at] cpom.ucl.ac.uk).
Post III. Antarctic contribution to sea level. This appointment is to
develop European ENVISAT altimeter observations of Antarctic ice sheet
thickness change, and, with co-workers in Boulder, Colorado, compare
these with simultaneous measurements of the change in gravitational
potential made by the U.S. GRACE satellite. The work will allow us to
determine the contribution of the Antarctic ice sheet to sea level and
to illuminate its dynamics and interactions with the ocean at large
spatial scales. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Physics, Applied
Physics, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience. Knowledge
of geophysical radars, satellite techniques, and computer data
processing is an advantage but not essential. This work is under the
supervision of Professor Duncan Wingham (djw [at] cpom.ucl.ac.uk, Phone:
0207-679-7870)
Post IV. Sea ice thickness changes in the 21st century. This appointment
is to develop algorithms for ice thickness retrieval from radar and
laser satellite altimetry using instruments on the European ENVISAT and
U.S. IceSat satellites. The work will provide an estimate of sea ice
thickness and mass change in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
through an optimum combination of data from the two sensors. Candidates
should have a Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, or Electrical
Engineering, or equivalent experience. Knowledge of satellite geodesy,
geophysical radars, and computer data processing is an advantage but not
essential. This work is under the supervision of Dr. Seymour Laxon
(swl [at] cpom.ucl.ac.uk).
These posts are for two years and possibilities exist for renewal. The
posts are located on the UCL main campus in Central London. Applicants
should identify the post and respond with a C.V., copies of any
publications, and the name and addresses of two academic referees.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to the relevant
supervisor. Applications should be sent to:
Leisa Clemente
CPOM Administrator
Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling
Department of Space and Climate Physics
University College London
Gower Street
London, WC1E 6BT
Phone: 020-7679-3031