ArcticWATCH – Post-Doc

Type: Post-doctoral scholarship

Position: Full-time for 36 months (3 yr)

Net salary: 2900-2300 €/month (incl. social insurance and transportation to/from work)

Start date: As soon as possible

Keywords: data assimilation, seasonal-to-interannual prediction, EC-Earth3, melt ponds, observing system experiments

Description of the work:

The successful candidate will contribute to improving the EC-Earth3 climate prediction system for polar applications. He/she will use an Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) for state estimation of the ocean-sea ice system and develop new capabilities for the assimilation of sea ice freeboard, melt pond fraction, and snow depth. He/she will perform sensitivity experiments to assess the added value of each type of observations on the skill of seasonal predictions. He/she will also perform observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) in a perfect-model context to gauge the potential of hypothetical new observations for predictions, and provide guidance on the development of future Arctic observing systems.

The work will be conducted in the framework of the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant funded project “ArcticWATCH: early warning of future rapid Arctic sea ice loss (2023-2027).

Expected profile:

The successful candidate should

• hold a PhD thesis in climatology, Earth science, or related field;
• have published in peer-reviewed international journals;
• have acquired experience in running large-scale ocean—sea ice and/or climate models. Being familiar with EC-Earth3 and/or NEMO/SI3 is an asset;
• demonstrate verbal and written communication skills in English;
• demonstrate autonomy, sense of initiative and proactivity.

How to apply?

Applicants should send to François Massonnet (francois.massonnet@uclouvain.be), a single PDF file containing:

1. i. A 1-page statement mentioning the position applied for, the research experience, the qualification, and the interest in the position.
2. ii. A complete CV including a list of publications.
3. iii. The name and contact information of two scientists who would agree to send a letter of recommendation.

The candidates will be short-listed based on the materials received in the application and the top-ranked candidates will be interviewed remotely. The review of applications will start on May 20. The positions are open until they are filled.

Applicants should send to François Massonnet (francois.massonnet@uclouvain.be), a single PDF file containing: i. A 1-page statement mentioning the position applied for, the research experience, the qualification, and the interest in the position. ii. A complete CV including a list of publications. iii. The name and contact information of two scientists who would agree to send a letter of recommendation. The candidates will be short-listed based on the materials received in the application and the top-ranked candidates will be interviewed remotely. The review of applications will start on May 20. The positions are open until they are filled.