Postdoc: Salinity and Stratification at the Sea Ice Edge (SASSIE) Project

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JPL is ideally suited to postdocs who are passionate about advancing our understanding of the Earth system.

About the Project:

The JPL Ocean Circulation and Air-Sea Interaction group is looking for a postdoc to analyze airborne, satellite, and in-situ measurements and high-resolution ocean model output in support of NASA’s SASSIE (Salinity and Stratification at the Sea Ice Edge) project
The goal of SASSIE is to investigate the hypothesis that sea surface salinity (SSS) anomalies generated by summer sea ice melt predict autumn ice advance in the Arctic Ocean.

Arctic sea-ice cover has declined dramatically in the past decades
Autumn sea-ice advance is occurring later and faster, and summer retreat is occurring faster and slower, with some of the largest timing changes seen in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas
The greater area and longer duration of open water in the Arctic has consequences for regional and global climate as well as human and ecological health
Salinity is a critical component of Arctic ocean-ice-atmosphere dynamics because it controls ocean stratification in the upper tens of meters and controls sub-surface ocean heat storage
Near-surface salinity variations may affect sea-ice formation and melt because of their modulation on stored sub-surface heat release.

The SASSIE field campaign took place in August-October 2022 in the Beaufort Sea
Ocean and ice data were collected from autonomous and ship-based in situ instruments and airborne radiometers and imagers A 1/12-degree northern hemisphere coupled ocean/sea-ice simulation was produced to compliment the field campaign.

The postdoc will:

* Analyze SASSIE in situ and airborne remote-sensing data

* Compare satellite sea surface salinity data with SASSIE salinity measurements and the ocean model

* Work closely with JPL scientists and engineers who are responsible for analyzing satellite sea surface salinity data and ocean modelling

* Collaborate with the broader SASSIE team at the University of Washington Applied Physics Lab (APL),

* Present the outcome of the research and data analysis via science team meetings, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications

Required Qualifications:

* Applicants should have a PhD in Oceanography, Physics, Environmental Science, or a related field.

* We seek a creative and highly motivated person with strong oceanography background and excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

* Candidates must be detail oriented, able to work both independently and in collaboration with others, and have demonstrated scientific programming skills.

* The ideal candidate has experience analyzing ocean observations (both in-situ and satellite) and analyzing numerical ocean model output.

* Experience working with “big data” in cloud computing environments is also a plus.

The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.

Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA
Postdoctoral Scholar positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years
Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.

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For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed
In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training
Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California
This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$82,180 – $82,180

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

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