The Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to study how large-scale transport of upstream properties and terrain-modified cloud and mesoscale processes affect wintertime orographic precipitation during The Snow Sensitivity to Clouds in a Mountain Environment (S2noCliME) Field Campaign in the Park Range of Colorado.

Simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model (or a similar framework) will be used to simulate storms during the field campaign, including higher resolution large eddy simulations with WRF-LES that resolve finer features of the flow around the terrain.  The postdoc will evaluate the fidelity of the simulations and use them to address questions about the relative roles of upstream conditions (e.g., moisture and aerosols), large-scale meteorology and mesoscale flowfield and cloud processes in producing the observed snowfall during S2noCLIME. The field phase of the project will be in Winter 2025 at the Storm Peak Laboratory at Steamboat Springs ski area in CO. There will be an opportunity to participate in the field during the data collection period from December 1st, 2024 - March 31st, 2025. 

Appointment Details

The position is a twelve-month appointment at 100% FTE with the opportunity to extend to a second year subject to approval and availability of funding. A Postdoctoral Scholar is an academic appointment that requires evidence of a conferred Ph.D. by the appointment start date. The salary range is between $5,705 and $6,054 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a moving allowance. The anticipated start date is Sep 1st, 2024.

University of Washington postdoctoral scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experience. Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

Candidates must have an earned doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in atmospheric sciences or a closely related field (at the time of appointment) and have experience in high-resolution modeling of fluid flow or a background in cloud-related research.

Desired

It is preferred that candidates have experience with one or more of the following: atmospheric modeling at large eddy simulation or cloud-resolving scales; experience with WRF or a similar modeling framework; expertise in flow around topography; experience using observational datasets to understand orographic precipitation and/or cloud-aerosol interactions; experience and have a strong programming background (ideally including experience with fortran) and verbal and written communication skills.

To apply, please submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter outlining current research accomplishments and a statement of how your experience meets the requirements for the postdoctoral position.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

The position is open until filled, but priority will be given to applications received by June 1st, 2024.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. For questions about the positions, please contact Professors Lynn McMurdie (lynnm@uw.edu) and Peter Blossey (pblossey@uw.edu) by email.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University?s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member?s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

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Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

About University of Washington

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public institutions in the west coast and one of the preeminent research universities in the world. The University of Washington is a multi-campus university comprised of three different campuses: Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. The Seattle campus is made up of sixteen schools and colleges that serve students ranging from an undergraduate level to a doctoral level. The university is home to world-class libraries, arts, music, drama, and sports, as well as the highest quality medical care in Washington State and a world-class academic medical center. The teaching and research of the University’s many professional schools provide undergraduate and graduate students the education necessary toward achieving an excellence that will serve the state, the region, and the nation. As part of a large and diverse community, the University of Washington serves more students than any other institution in the Northwest.

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