British Antarctic Survey
Physical Oceanographer
Fixed-Term Appointment – 27 Months
Location – Cambridge
Salary - £42,688 to £46,957 per annum
Purpose:
We are seeking a physical oceanographer with experience in the manipulation and analysis of large ocean model datasets and the publication of subsequent results. This post will focus on delivering two main tasks within the Horizon Europe SYNCHRONY project: 1) Using an offline particle trajectory package applied to a very high-resolution ocean model, simulate Antarctic continental shelf drift trajectories of virtual profiling floats and establish likely trajectories between satellite surface location fixes. 2) Analyse Southern Ocean water mass properties and circulation under future climate change scenarios from the CMIP7 suite of coupled climate models.
Duties:
- Undertake analysis of high-resolution ocean models and implement particle tracking routines over the continental shelves – simulating float trajectories
- Undertake analysis of CMIP7 model output, focusing on Southern Ocean water mass dynamics and change
- Manage the datasets and code base of the above analysis
- Write, publish and communicate scientific findings resulting from this analysis and associated research. This includes delivering specific Horizon Europe milestones and deliverables
- Participate in meetings of the Horizon Europe SYNCHRONY project and communicate findings to, and proactively collaborate with, partners
- Work collaboratively with other members of the Polar Oceans team, including, but not limited to:
- (i) Presenting research at national/international conferences and meetings
- (ii) Liaising with external visitors including seminar speakers, and
- (iii) Assisting with communication activities to promote the work of the Polar Oceans team both internally within BAS and externally to other academics, policy makers and/or the general public
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
Excellent understanding of ocean and global climate dynamics
Demonstrated competence of ocean model data analysis and experience of interpreting numerical simulations, particularly focussing on geophysical fluid dynamics
PhD in ocean/climate dynamics or equivalent postgraduate experience
Strong numerical ability consistent with manipulating, analysing and interpreting sparse observational data from multiple sources
Experience in manipulating and analysing observational datasets
Ability to manage project workflow and balance time/resources between projects
Proficient in written and spoken English language
Proven ability to present research effectively in written and oral form with examples of publication in leading journals
Track record of independent research and associated decision making
Able to work as part of a team within the SYNCHRONY project and across the EU partner institutions
Flexible and adaptable
Desirable:
- Demonstrated understanding of Southern Ocean and continental shelf seas dynamics
- Experience with numerical particle tracking simulations
- Experience with CMIP class model analysis
- Ability to manage and interpret large datasets, notably hierarchies of models at various resolutions or large ensembles
- Experience with modelling and model analysis
- Experience with Southern Ocean based datasets
- Experience with deployment of ocean instrumentation
- Able to communicate detailed technical information clearly and concisely to a range of stakeholders
- Understanding of how BAS science fits into a wider perspective
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
