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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Modeling Internal Waves in the Equatorial Pacific

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate in Modeling Internal Waves in the Equatorial Pacific.

Position Details

Location John C. Stennis Space Center

1020 Balch Blvd

Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, 39529

United States

Division Marine Science

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Yes

Salary Range 55,000.00 - 65,000.00

Pay Grade

Posting Close Date May 7, 2025

Job Summary

A postdoctoral research position is available for a three-year National Science Foundation-funded project titled “Collaborative Research: Internal tide decay mechanisms and their effects on the heat budget in the equatorial Pacific.” The successful candidate will provide crucial numerical modeling support for the NSF-funded MOTIVE (Mixing belOw Tropical Instability waVEs) project, a large national collaboration of observational scientists. This role involves close collaboration with co-PI Dr. Barkan at the University of California in Los Angeles. The MOTIVE project will deploy long-term moorings and conduct in-situ surveys focused on tropical instability waves, internal waves, their interactions, and the resultant mixing processes within the equatorial Pacific. The primary objectives of the postdoctoral researcher and the associated team are to perform and diagnose model simulations to enhance the understanding of internal tide decay as they propagate across the equatorial Pacific.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

+ Develop and implement numerical ROMS simulations focused on the equatorial Pacific.

+ Generate and deliver model data to MOTIVE scientists to inform observational cruise planning and mooring deployments.

+ Validate the accuracy of ROMS simulations through rigorous comparison with datasets from TPXO, SWOT, and mooring observations.

+ Employ advanced coarse-graining and modal decomposition techniques to analyze simulations, quantifying cross-scale fluxes and ocean mixing processes.

+ Actively collaborate with project scientists and students to foster a productive research environment.

+ Participate in project meetings, including travel, to discuss progress and facilitate knowledge exchange.

+ Lead the writing of approximately one first-author manuscript per year for peer-reviewed publication related to the NSF project and contribute as a co-author on other relevant manuscripts.

+ Present scientific findings at national and international conferences to disseminate research outcomes.

+ Contribute to the preparation of annual reports for the funding agency, as needed, and undertake other responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in physical oceanography or a similar field or must have successfully defended no later than December 31, 2024. Applicants must also have a publication record that illustrates the ability to conduct and communicate independent research and experience with diagnosing ROMS simulations and observational data, running ocean models, coding, time series analysis, and internal wave processes. The successful candidate will be required to pass a USM employment background check and a NASA background security check to work at Stennis.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSA’s)

+ Comprehensive understanding of physical oceanography, particularly in the equatorial Pacific, including internal tide dynamics, tropical instability waves, and their interactions, and ocean mixing processes and their impact on the heat budget.

+ Strong understanding of numerical modeling (ROMS), scientific data validation (TPXO, SWOT, moorings), and advanced data analysis techniques (coarse-graining, modal decomposition).

+ Knowledge of scientific writing and publication processes, including peer review, national/international conference presentation practices, and funding agency reporting requirements (e.g., NSF).

+ Proficiency in setting up, running, and analyzing ROMS simulations, processing and interpreting large oceanographic datasets, and validating models with observational data.

+ Expertise in applying advanced analytical techniques (coarse-graining, modal decomposition), scientific writing (first-author manuscripts), and data visualization and interpretation.

+ Strong communication and presentation skills for disseminating research findings at conferences, effective collaboration skills for working with project teams, and skill in contributing to the preparation of project reports.

+ Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage research tasks, prioritize deadlines, and think critically and creatively to solve complex scientific problems.

+ Ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely (orally and in writing), travel to meetings and conferences, contribute to a positive research environment, and learn and apply new techniques and methodologies.

+ Ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely (orally and in writing), travel to meetings and conferences, contribute to a positive research environment, and learn and apply new techniques and methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

The preferred candidate has at least 5 years of experience in coding in MATLAB, diagnosing model simulations, diagnosing observational data sets, diagnosing internal wave energy equations, time series analysis (e.g., regression and Fourier analysis), and vertical mode decomposition.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.