Postdoctoral Research Associate in Climate Change
University of New South Wales Climate Change Research Centre
Australia

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The Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC) is a multi-disciplinary research group comprising one of the largest university research facilities of its kind in Australia. CCRC houses research expertise in the key areas of Earth's climate: atmospheric dynamics, physical oceanography and terrestrial processes. We apply basic scientific principles to pressing questions on climate dynamics, global climate change, and extremes of weather and climate. The Climate Change Research Centre is comprised of 9 full time and 3 part time academic staff, approximately 18 senior and postdoctoral fellows, and over 30 PhD, Masters and Honours students. The CCRC also houses the lead node of the nationally significant ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes. This Centre offers the appointee outstanding opportunities for collaboration with researchers both across Australia and overseas.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work on the ARC-funded project: New insights into abrupt climate change using isotope model-data fusion. The project explores changes in climate dynamics and/or ocean biogeochemical cycles during the last interglacial, the last glacial and the last deglaciation. It aims to better understand non-linear responses in the climate system. A main outcome will be the quantification of climate-carbon cycle feedbacks, which are a crucial component of future climate projections. This project will therefore significantly advance our understanding of the physics and dynamics involved in past occurrences of abrupt change, but also identify the processes needed in climate models to be able to reproduce and forecast these warming events.

The incumbent will contribute to the research project by utilizing coupled climate models in conjunction with available palaeodata to analyse the processes involved during past climate change events. The research will be undertaken at CCRC (UNSW) in collaboration with the University of Bern (Switzerland). We are seeking candidates with a demonstrated knowledge of climate modelling, ocean dynamics and/or ocean biogeochemistry.

About the role

• $77K - $103K plus 9.5% Superannuation (increases to 17% in January 2021) and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 12 months (with possibility of 12-month extension based on funding)
• Full time (35 hours per week)

The role of Postdoctoral Research Associate reports to Professor Katrin Meissner, and Dr Laurie Menviel and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Conduct research in line with the project’s aims and under the direction of the supervisors.
• Assist in the supervision of postgraduate or honours students in this project area as opportunities arise.
• Collaborate with other postdoctoral fellows on this project or others working on related matters to produce project outcomes.
• Be responsible for writing scientific reports and papers, coordinating research activities, participating in the setting of research directions and any other research activities as required.
• Communicate research findings by interacting with the international research community, publishing in highly ranked journals, and presenting to peers at local and international conferences.
• Assisting in the teaching of undergraduate courses is encouraged, but not required.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A PhD held or pending a relevant discipline, e.g. climate dynamics, physical/biogeochemical oceanography, climate modelling.
• A strong research and publication track record (relative to career opportunity) in an area listed in the Position Summary.
• Advanced knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Physical oceanography, large-scale ocean-atmosphere dynamics, climate modelling, ocean biogeochemistry, model development.
• Expertise in analysis and interpretation of paleoproxy data sets and/or model output.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Demonstrated programming/computing skills in a Unix/Linux environment.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application. Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Katrin Meissner
E: k.meissner@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: July 11th, 2020 

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