High Resolution Ice Ocean Modeller
Posted 1 day 12 hours ago by UKRI
We are seeking a High-Resolution Ice-Ocean Modeller to develop improved parameterisations of ice shelf basal melting in the Amundsen Sea. A major source of uncertainty in 21st-century projections of mass loss from the Antarctic Ice Sheet is the treatment of ocean-driven basal melting. Ice sheet models typically employ crude parameterisations of this process, while full 3D ocean simulations are too expensive for long-term projections or large ensembles. Bridging this gap is a major challenge for the ice-ocean modelling community.
In this post, you will run very-high-resolution simulations with the MITgcm ocean model in the Amundsen Sea region. The output will be used to develop an optimal calculation of basal melt rates based only on ice shelf geometry and far-field ocean conditions, the quantities known to ice sheet models. The resulting parameterisation will be both accurate and inexpensive, and will be used within ice sheet models to reduce uncertainty in sea level rise projections. There is plenty of flexibility to shape the research questions to suit your interests, within the scope of the project.
Through this post you will contribute to the BISTO project (Better Ice Sheet forecasts via Transient assimilation and refined Ocean forcing), in collaboration with ice sheet modellers at the University of Edinburgh and Dartmouth College. At BAS you will join our Polar Oceans team, an internationally renowned group of oceanographers studying high-latitude oceans and their interactions with the cryosphere.
This post is advertised in parallel with three similar roles: Greenland Ice-Ocean Modeller, Subsurface Warming Ice-Ocean Modeller, and Dense Water Ice-Ocean Modeller. Applicants are encouraged to apply to all four roles, which will be combined into a single interview. Please submit identical applications for each role you are interested in; we unfortunately cannot consider you for any roles where you do not apply. Please ensure your cover letter and CV show how you meet the criteria below, and include a list of your publications.
- Develop very-high-resolution (e.g. 50-200 metre) configurations of the MITgcm ocean model over the eastern Amundsen Sea and ice shelf cavities
- Collaborate with team members at BAS and the University of Edinburgh to force these models with the latest simulated ocean boundary conditions and ice geometries
- Identify, evaluate, and train optimal parameterisations of basal melting suitable for forcing stand-alone ice sheet model forecasts
- Create parameterisations of small-scale melting processes (e.g. near ice shelf grounding lines) for use in coupled ocean-ice sheet model forecasts
- Present scientific results in the peer-reviewed literature and at conferences
- First degree in physical science or mathematics, plus PhD or equivalent experience
- Experience configuring and running ocean models
- Experience analysing ocean model output
- Experience in the numerical solution of partial differential equations
- Experience with Linux
- Experience with compiled parallel code (e.g. Fortran)
- Experience with interpreted analysis code (e.g. Python)
- Proficient in written and spoken English
- Strong track record of publication in high-quality journals (assessed relative to career stage and opportunity)
- Excellent scientific writing skills and proven ability to independently write first-author papers
- Track record of presentation at international conferences
- Proven ability to independently develop research questions (assessed relative to career stage)
- Ability to prioritise tasks to efficiently deliver science
- Ability to adapt research questions as circumstances evolve
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Enthusiasm and drive for independent scientific research
- Knowledge of ice ocean interactions
- Experience with models used in the project
- Experience applying statistical methods
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
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How to applyOnline applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.
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About the TeamBritish Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Our skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation . We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe! If you are looking for an opportunity to work with amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you. We aim to attract the best people for those jobs.