Research Associate (Post Doc)

The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, fixed term Research Associate (Post Doc) position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Dean.

This Research Associate (Post Doc) ( RAPD ) will conduct research on the dynamics that drive the circulation and transport in the inner continental shelf, including processes such as wind forcing, shoaling and breaking internal waves, and shoaling surface gravity waves. The RAPD will be part of a multi-institutional team of scientists engaged in the Inner Shelf Dynamics Departmental Research Initiative (Inner Shelf DRI ; https://scripps.ucsd.edu/projects/innershelf/) sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, and will participate in planning and execution of field work to be conducted in central California in late summer and early fall of 2017. The field work includes deployments of moored instruments and intensive ship surveys, coordinated with remote sensing experiments in the region. The RAPD will take a lead in analysis and interpretation of data from this experiment and will assist the Principal Investigators (PIs) in overseeing laboratory and field activities; mentoring undergraduate students; and contributing to public outreach events highlighting the broader impacts of the research.

The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences is an internationally recognized leader in the study of the Earth as an integrated system. It operates numerous state-of-the art laboratories and three oceanographic research vessels, the 177-foot ocean-going Oceanus, the 84-foot coastal research vessel Pacific Storm, and the 54-foot coastal research vessel Elakha. The College has an annual budget of more than $50 million, with support coming from the National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration and other federal agencies. It has more than 100 faculty, 200 graduate students and 600 undergraduate students. Graduate programs include M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences; Geology; and Geography and a M.S. degree in Marine Resource Management. The college has undergraduate programs in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences, with several minors and certificate programs.

CEOAS faculty are expected to demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion, including efforts promoting equitable outcomes among learners of diverse and underrepresented identity groups.

Position Duties

20% – Inner Shelf DRI Field Experiment:

Assist in planning and preparation, and participate in the research cruises (three cruises, approximately six weeks in total from September to November 2017) to deploy and recover instruments on moorings and bottom landers and conduct surveys aboard a University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System ( UNOLS ) vessel and a small research vessel in water depths between 10 to 100 meters along the central coast of California (Point Sal).

40% – Data Processing, Archiving, Analysis and Interpretation:

Process and analyze observational data from the Inner Shelf DRI in order to quantify the dynamics of flows and transport in the inner shelf and to determine the importance of different forcing mechanisms (e.g., winds, tides, internal waves, surface gravity waves, submesoscale eddies) and the interactions between these mechanisms. Assist in effectively archiving the data.

25% – Publications and Presentations:

Synthesize and publish results in peer-reviewed journal articles and meeting presentations as directed by PIs. Meet the expectation of being lead author on at least one journal article within 12 months.

15% – Broader Impacts:

Help mentor 1-2 undergraduate students working on related projects. Assist the PIs in managing laboratory activities including maintaining equipment and purchasing supplies. Participate in outreach events such as Marine Science Day.

Minimum/Required Qualifications

PhD in Oceanography, Physics, Engineering or related field.

Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.

Demonstrated research experience in coastal physical oceanography.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications

Broad understanding of coastal physical oceanography and dynamics.

Extensive processing, analysis and programming experience using programming and analysis software such as Fortran and Matlab.

Experience in sea-going experiments and associated physical oceanography instrumentation (e.g., ADCPs and CTDs).

A demonstrable eagerness for research collaboration.

A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

The incumbent is required to take part in research cruises for approximately six

weeks in the first year of the project; working conditions may be less comfortable (wet, cold, physically demanding) and hours may be longer when at sea. The incumbent is required to participate in standard ship deck operations during deployment and recovery of oceanographic platforms and instrumentation, which will require lifting of objects of approximately 30 pounds in weight.

This position requires a clear and unambiguous commitment to compliance of all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations for Division I (FBS) universities.

No

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

P01147UF

Number of Vacancies

1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date

07/03/2017

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date

03/22/2017

Full Consideration Date

05/15/2017

Closing Date

05/29/2017

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search

Competitive / External – open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 15, 2017 . Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact: Jim Lerczak, 541-737-6128, jlerczak@coas.oregonstate.edu

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.