At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate Greenland ice melt impacts on ocean and climate systems through advanced modelling.
- Company: Join the British Antarctic Survey, a leader in polar research and climate science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for impactful research.
- Other info: Work with renowned scientists and contribute to groundbreaking climate research.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding climate change and its global effects.
- Qualifications: PhD in physical science or mathematics; experience with ocean models and programming.
The predicted salary is between 42688 - 51025 £ per year.
We are seeking a Greenland Ice-Ocean Modeller to investigate the impacts of meltwater from the Greenland Ice Sheet on the North Atlantic ocean and global climate system. There is concern that Greenland ice loss, in response to climate change, could freshen the surrounding ocean to the point where convection in the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre collapses. This outcome would have wide-ranging impacts on climate, ecosystems, and the economy, particularly for the UK and Europe.
In this post, you will improve the representation of ice-ocean interactions for the Greenland Ice Sheet in the UK Earth System Model (UKESM). UKESM is the first CMIP-class global climate model to have dynamic ice sheets coupled to both the atmosphere and the ocean. However, ice sheet-ocean coupling in Greenland currently neglects frontal ablation of glaciers in unresolved fjords. You will implement this capability in UKESM, leading the development of meltwater release into the NEMO ocean component, while other team members will provide melting parameterisations for the fjords. You will then use the improved model to study the climate impacts of Greenland meltwater. There is plenty of flexibility to shape the research questions to suit your interests, within the scope of the project.
Through this post you will contribute to PROMOTE (Progressing Earth System Modelling for Tipping Point Early Warning Systems), a UK-wide ARIA-funded project using UKESM to study the potential future collapse of the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre. You will also collaborate with GIANT (Greenland Ice sheet to AtlaNtic Tipping points from ice loss), an ARIA project based at BAS with collaborators worldwide, investigating Greenland melting using both models and observations. At BAS you will join our Polar Oceans team, an internationally renowned group of oceanographers studying high-latitude oceans and their interactions with the cryosphere.
Duties:
- Collaborate with team members at BAS, the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, and the UK Met Office to advance Greenland ice sheet-ocean coupling in the UK Earth System Model
- Lead the development of Greenland meltwater fluxes entering the ocean model (NEMO) at depth, corresponding to the locations of fjords
- Design, run, and analyse sensitivity simulations to separate the impacts of different Greenland melting processes on the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre and the global climate
- Present model developments and scientific results in peer-reviewed literature and at conferences
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Qualifications: First degree in physical science or mathematics, plus PhD or equivalent experience
- Practical Skills: Experience configuring and running ocean models; Experience analysing ocean model output
- Technical Skills: Experience in the numerical solution of partial differential equations; Experience with Linux; Experience with compiled parallel code (e.g. Fortran); Experience with interpreted analysis code (e.g. Python)
- Communication Skills: Proficient in written and spoken English; Strong track record of publication in high-quality journals (assessed relative to career stage and opportunity); Excellent scientific writing skills and proven ability to independently write first-author papers; Track record of presentation at international conferences
- Personal Skills: Proven ability to independently develop research questions (assessed relative to career stage); Ability to prioritise tasks to efficiently deliver science; Ability to adapt research questions as circumstances evolve; Ability to work effectively as part of a team; Enthusiasm and drive for independent scientific research
Desirable:
- Experience developing ocean models
- Knowledge of ice-ocean interactions
- Experience with models used in the project
- Experience applying statistical methods
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.
Greenland Ice Ocean Modeller employer: UKRI
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on climate change and its impacts on the global environment. Located in Cambridge, BAS fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and professional growth, providing employees with access to world-class resources and a network of leading scientists. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on meaningful scientific contributions, BAS stands out as a rewarding workplace for those passionate about environmental science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Greenland Ice Ocean Modeller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of climate science and ocean modelling. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the British Antarctic Survey and their projects thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your skills in ocean modelling and ice-ocean interactions can contribute to their work. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience with ocean models and your understanding of climate impacts. The more comfortable you are talking about your expertise, the better you'll perform in the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at BAS. Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Greenland Ice Ocean Modeller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with ocean models and ice-ocean interactions. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or research!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm for climate science and collaboration!
Show Off Your Publications:Don’t forget to include a list of your publications! This is a great way for us to gauge your scientific writing skills and your contributions to the field. Make sure it’s clear and easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Models
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ocean models, especially NEMO. Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing meltwater fluxes and the significance of ice-ocean interactions in your work.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous research experiences, particularly any publications or presentations you've done. Highlight how your skills in numerical solutions and programming languages like Fortran and Python can contribute to the team.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative projects. Share examples of how you've effectively worked with others to achieve common goals, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the projects at BAS, such as the PROMOTE initiative or the GIANT project. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations.
