Three Postdoctoral Positions Available
Arctic Oceanography
Sorbonne Université
Paris, France
Application deadline: Open until filled
For more information, contact:
Marie-Noëlle Houssais
Email: mnh [at] locean-ipsl.upmc.fr
Christophe Herbaut
Email: ch [at] locean-ipsl.upmc.fr
The Laboratoire d’Océanographie et du Climat at Sorbonne Université invites applications for three postdoctoral positions in Arctic oceanography. These full-time positions will be located in Paris, France.
The successful candidates will work in a research team with interest in polar ocean dynamics and variability, and in close collaboration with partners of several ongoing national and international projects.
One postdoctoral position will study Arctic fresh water. The successful applicant will work on the Arctic Ocean fresh water budget and its link to the fresh water outflow to the North Atlantic subpolar gyre. The proposed research will focus on understanding what drives the variability of the Arctic fresh water content and how this variability relates to the different sources and sinks, including the potential impact of runoff from the Greenland Ice Sheet, and evaluating the role of the ocean circulation in shaping the pathways of the fresh water to the North Atlantic. In particular, the dynamics of the upper layers of the Arctic will be investigated to evaluate their role in the fresh water storage and export out of the Arctic. The candidate will have access to different ocean-sea ice simulations performed with a regional ice-ocean model covering the last four decades. The simulated ocean state and the different sources or mechanisms of variability will be tested against available observations. A set of joint experiments at two different resolutions, eddy- and non-eddy-resolving, will be used to test the impact of explicit representation of the mesoscale activity on the fresh water pathways and transports. Sensitivity experiments to test the impact of the fresh water sources (e.g. Greenland meltwater) on these transports are also planned.
A second postdoctoral position will focus on Atlantic water inflow to the Arctic Ocean. The successful candidate will work on the dynamics and variability of the Atlantic flow through Fram Strait, a major source of heat for the Arctic Ocean. As a contribution to this topic, the proposed research should help better understand the mechanisms which control the Atlantic water circulation off Svalbard, to evaluate the associated transports to the Arctic Ocean. Research will focus on understanding the Atlantic Current structure in Fram Strait, and possible implications for recirculating branches, current instabilities, mesoscale eddy generation, and ultimately for the heat transport to the Arctic Ocean. The analysis will use an original dataset of in-situ observations including several glider surveys and outputs from regional eddy resolving simulations. These data will possibly be combined with information from available mooring and hydrographic surveys as well as satellite observations. In the context of the on-going Integrated Arctic Observation System (INTAROS) field program, the candidate will be involved in the design of the oncoming glider experiments.
A third postdoctoral position will study ocean-sea ice interactions in the Nansen Basin. The successful candidate will work on the variability of the Atlantic water boundary current in the Nansen Basin and its further impact on Arctic sea ice. Research will focus on understanding the variability of the Atlantic water properties and transports in the Nansen Basin and how the Atlantic Water changes may impact the sea ice variability. One goal will be to evaluate shelf-slope exchanges, their role in redistributing heat between the boundary current and the deep Nansen Basin or the upper shelf, and their implication in the heat transfer to the surface layer and the sea ice. Based on this analysis, the relative impacts of ocean and atmosphere on the sea ice evolution in the basin will be evaluated. Simulations with a regional sea ice –ocean model will be used to analyze the variability over the recent decades. Observations collected from a set of moorings recently deployed over the northern Svalbard slope will support the process analysis.
Qualifications for these positions include:
- A PhD degree (or nearly-completed) in a relevant discipline, such as physical oceanography, ocean physics, fluid dynamics, climate sciences, or other related field;
- Written and oral communication skills;
- Ability to communicate and collaborate with colleagues;
- Ability to work autonomously; and
- Experience with data analysis is an asset, but is not mandatory.
These positions are offered for one year, with possible renewal for one more year. An early starting date will be appreciated. Candidates may be asked to provide contact information for professional references.
Application deadline: Open until filled
For more information, contact:
Marie-Noëlle Houssais
Email: mnh [at] locean-ipsl.upmc.fr
Christophe Herbaut
Email: ch [at] locean-ipsl.upmc.fr