This position is full-time (100% FTE) with an initial term appointment of one year (12 months), renewable depending on funding and/or satisfactory performance for a total period of up to 2 years.
We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position in Southern Ocean climate dynamics at the University of Washington's Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science, advised by Prof. Edward Blanchard-Wrigglesworth and Prof. Cecilia Bitz, in collaboration with partners at the UW and international partners in New Zealand and at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center in Barcelona, Spain. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates with a background in climate dynamics, with experience in climate modeling, atmosphere-ice-ocean interactions, and polar climate dynamics preferred. This position will be an initial 12-month appointment with a possible extension for another year. The start date is available immediately and no later than July 2027. The University of Washington's Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science is the number 1 ranked atmospheric sciences department in the world, offering a vibrant and collaborative environment in the heart of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
Job duties/responsibilitiesThe project aims to assess the drivers of the recent decline in Antarctic sea ice and Southern Ocean warming, the seasonal-to-decadal predictability of recent changes and likely future decadal evolution, and the global climate implications of a declining Antarctic sea ice cover and warming Southern Ocean. The work will entail producing new climate model simulations with the NCAR CESM suite of models and analysis of observational and model data.
Postdoctoral scholars at the University of Washington are engaged in full-time, mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence. Given the close mentoring relationship necessitated by the nature of postdoctoral scholar appointments; access to the full university community to support individual development; and, if applicable, visa sponsorship requirements, postdoctoral scholars must be physically present at their place of work on University property to fulfill their appointment duties.
Postdoctoral scholars at UW are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
CompensationThis is a full-time appointment (100% FTE). The base minimum salary for this position will be $6,681 to $6,881 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
Employee benefits will be provided. The position initially runs for one year, subject to renewal after 12 months based on satisfactory progress.
QualificationsUniversity of Washington postdoctoral scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experience.
Minimum Qualifications- Candidates must hold a PhD or foreign equivalent or demonstrate completion of all degree requirements by the start of the appointment and have no more than 3 years of total postdoctoral experience at the time of appointment.
Desired Qualifications- PhD or foreign equivalent in atmospheric, ocean, and climate science-related topics.
- Excellent publication record and written and communication skills.
- Experience with climate modeling and observational and reanalysis data analysis.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python
Application Instructions To apply for this position, please submit your application via Interfolio. Applicants must submit:
- A letter of interest describing your skills, experience, and research interests (maximum of 2 pages)
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
- Three letters of reference
Consideration of applications will begin immediately and remain open until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applications received by January 15, 2027
Questions regarding potential disability accommodations during the application process can be directed to [redacted].
