[Canada] Postdoc-RA in Sea Breeze and Fog Modelling at Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is searching for a Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Associate to work on a sub-project in atmosphere and ocean modelling as part of a collaborative research and development program on Interdisciplinary Marine Environmental Prediction in the Atlantic Coastal Region. The successful candidate will join a team of researchers from the Department of Oceanography and nearby laboratories of Environment Canada (EC) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The research team is developing an advanced real-time observation and modelling system for coastal and inner shelf environments, and using this system to test and improve our ability to predict change on short- to medium-range scales in the coastal marine environment. In particular, a high-resolution coupled inter-disciplinary environmental prediction and observing system is being developed for Lunenburg Bay on the south shore of Nova Scotia, Canada.
The objective of this particular sub-project is to improve the atmospheric models’ skill in predicting sea breezes and fog which are common and potentially hazardous weather in coastal marine environments. This is being addressed by using numerical tools based on a high-resolution 3D atmospheric model, used in conjunction with sophisticated boundary layer instrumentation that has been installed in Lunenburg Bay, in particular the wind profiler and acoustic temperature sounder near the coast, together with the extra buoys in the bay. Also, the ocean and wave modelling modules supply detailed water temperature and sea state conditions needed by the atmospheric model. The responsibilities will include: ensuring that the modelling system is functioning properly, setting up procedures to use observations for initialization and verification, conducting case studies, and making modifications to the model parameterizations or initial conditions to improve model results. The successful applicant will have a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science or related discipline, a working knowledge of atmospheric modelling and dynamics, and the willingness to work with data and the capability to develop, implement and test new modelling algorithms, particularly for the atmospheric boundary layer.
The initial appointment will be for one year with renewal likely for a second year depending upon performance. The annual salary is between $38,000 and $46,000CDN plus benefits, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applicants should send a statement of interest, a curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of three references no later than 15 October, 2006 to Mr. Sean Hartwell, Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3H 4J1 (Fax: 902-494-2885, email: Sean.Hartwell@ dal.ca). Submission by e-mail is encouraged.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Dalhousie University is an Employment Equity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from qualified Aboriginal people, persons with a disability, racially visible persons and women.
