UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND THEORETICAL PHYSICS

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Research Assistant/Research Associate in Physical Oceanography (Fixed term)

For further information visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/22458/

Salary: GBP 26,243 – GBP 39,609

Reference: LE20000

Closing date: 1 September 2019

A position exists for a Research Assistant/Research Associate to join the Ocean Dynamics group under the supervision of Dr. John Taylor at the University of Cambridge from 1 October 2019 or by negotiation, (see http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/jrt51/ for more information about the research group). The project will use numerical simulations to study the interactions between submesoscales, near-inertial oscillations, and boundary layer turbulence.

This work is part of an international project called “Submesoscales Under Near Resonant Inertial Shear Experiment” (SUNRISE), a collaborative effort funded by the National Science Foundation and the Natural Environment Research Council. Recently developed theories have posited that the interaction of submesoscale flows and near-inertial motions could play an important role in closing the energy budgets of both the balanced circulation and the unbalanced waves in the ocean. An objective of SUNRISE is to test and refine these theories using numerical simulations and new observations in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Here, the Mississippi-Atchafalaya river plume forms a rich field of submesoscale eddies and fronts, which in the summer are driven by a land-sea breeze that forces inertial motions at near resonance, making this an ideal location to study the interactions between submesoscales and inertial oscillations.

The successful applicant will use large-eddy simulations (LES) to study the interaction between submesoscale and near-inertial currents. The LES will be used in idealized configurations to test and extend theory and in realistic configurations with initial conditions and forcing set from a regional model and observations. The successful applicant will work closely with Dr. Taylor and other members of the international project team to accomplish these goals. Experience with direct numerical simulations or large-eddy simulations is desirable.

The successful applicant will have or be about to receive a PhD in Oceanography, Earth Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, and should have a strong background in fluid dynamics and oceanography and experience running numerical simulations.

Duties include developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects. Candidates will be expected to plan and manage their own research and administration, with guidance if required. They must be able to communicate material of a technical nature and be able to build internal and external contacts. The post holder may also be asked to assist in the supervision of student projects, the development of student research skills, provide instruction or plan/deliver seminars relating to the research area.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting LE20000@maths.cam.ac.uk.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.

Click the ‘Apply’ button in the advert http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/22458/ to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please indicate the contact details of two academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae, a list of publications and a description of your recent research (not to exceed two pages). Please ensure that at least one of your referees is contactable at any time during the selection process, and is made aware that they will be contacted by the Mathematics HR Office Administrator to request that they upload a reference for you to our Web Recruitment System; and please encourage them to do so promptly.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Closing date: 1 September 2019

Please quote reference LE20000 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.