Position Summary
The Climate and Paleoclimate Lab in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at WashU in St. Louis seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in tropical climate/paleoclimate modeling and data-model intercomparison.
The successful applicant will contribute to a new, NSF-funded project investigating Holocene precipitation changes in the tropical Americas, with a particular focus on dynamics of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and its interactions with other circulation features that drive land-based precipitation. The successful candidate will analyze existing earth system model simulations (e.g., isotope-enabled CESM1.2 and MPI-ESM1.2) and run new simulations, including tagged-water experiments to track changes in moisture sourcing under different climate conditions. Results will be compared with new biomarker-based paleo-hydroclimate proxy records being generated in the Climate and Paleoclimate Lab as well as other records from the region. The postdoc will also collaborate on developing curricular resources to support K-12 and college-level weather and climate education in St. Louis and the broader Midwest.
There may be opportunities to pursue additional research topics pertaining to hydroclimate and/or water isotope variability in the tropical Americas, depending on interests and experience; candidates are encouraged to discuss these interests in their application, if relevant.
Conducts, analyzes, reports on, and disseminates original research using climate and earth system models, in collaboration with the PI.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.
Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):
- Following instructions and discussions with the Principal Investigator, designs and executes research protocols for analysis of climate model output. Performs new model experiments as needed.
- Analyzes data and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data and code. Organizes data and submits code and datasets to approved archives.
- Documents research results and takes a leading role in preparing and submitting papers based on research work for publication and presentation at conferences.
- Assists with grant preparation and reporting as needed.
- Under supervision of Principal Investigator, assists with student mentoring including taking a leading role in the mentorship of one undergraduate student. As needed and as appropriate, assists graduate students with accessing climate model output for their research.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Salary Range:
Base pay is commensurate with experience.
Applicant Special Instructions:
In your application, please include your CV, a brief statement of your interests, and the names/contact info for 3 references. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Bronwen Konecky (bkonecky@wustl.edu).
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.
Certifications:
No specific certification is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Oral Communications, Written Communication
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated proficiency with Python, MATLAB, and/or NCL.
- Experience working with earth system model output.
- Strong interest in tropical climate dynamics.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. degree in Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Climate Dynamics, or another related field at the time of appointment.
- Experience designing and running simulations with a climate or earth system model.
- General familiarity with paleoclimate data and/or proxies.
- Interest in climate or earth science education.
- Some familiarity with water isotope data and applications (either paleo or modern).
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications:
No additional certification unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please emailCandidateQuestions@wustl.eduor call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.