Postdoctoral Scholar: Extreme Events in Climate Model Simulations

The University of California, Irvine is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to study extreme climate events in model simulations, focusing on tropical cyclones and heat waves. This two-year position involves analysis of climate simulations, collaboration with NOAA and Columbia University, and opportunities for research flexibility. Candidates should have a background in climate simulation and programming. The role offers excellent departmental support and benefits, with a flexible start date.
Seeking a postdoctoral scholar to study extreme events in climate model simulations, within Prof. Jane Baldwin’s research group in the Department of Earth System Science at University of California, Irvine. This research position will primarily support a NOAA-funded project examining compound tropical cyclone- heat wave events in high-resolution Global Climate Model simulations. The project benefits from collaboration between Prof. Baldwin’s group and researchers at Columbia University and NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. Responsive to candidate interests, there will also be flexibility to intersect with other active research projects in the group around climate dynamics and climate-conditioned extreme event hazard and impacts modeling, including diverse applications in public health, disaster risk reduction and response, and paleoclimate. Responsibilities will include process-driven analysis of climate simulations and observations, potentially running climate models on high performance computers, leading hypothesis-driven publications, and presentation at major international conferences (e.g., AGU, AMS).

Preferred qualifications

A strong background in climate simulation is recommended. Well-qualified candidates will be knowledgeable about, or equipped to rapidly learn, atmospheric dynamics especially those relevant to tropical cyclones and/or extreme heat, and Python programming. Computational fluency is a plus, as well as skill dealing with large datasets, interest in considering implications of results for climate change impacts and adaptation, and initiative in working with collaborators at other institutions.

Position perks:

This is a two-year position that is renewable, pending good progress and funding. Flexible start date. Supportive department: excellent administrative support, postdoctoral community, early-career groups, generous benefits.

Perks of our group:

The Climate and Extreme Event Risk Group at UC Irvine, led by Prof. Baldwin, develops knowledge critical for the adaptation challenges presented by earth’s changing climate. Our research ranges from study of fundamental climate dynamics behind regional circulation and rainfall to examination of extreme events (esp. tropical cyclones and heat waves) and their impacts. We are a motivated and friendly group. Visit our website here.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with a cover letter that also describes your immediate and long-term research goals, a curriculum vitae including publications list, and names for three letters of reference (please do not solicit letters). If you have any questions please email Professor Baldwin (jane.baldwin@uci.edu) with “Postdoc Application Question” in the subject line. Application review will begin on March 31st, please apply by this date to be fully considered.

Perks of the ESS department and UC Irvine Campus:

The Earth System Science Department at UC Irvine is highly interdisciplinary. It includes 25 faculty with broad expertise, all devoted to the study of the Earth as a coupled system. UC Irvine is located in Orange County, about halfway between the diverse metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Diego. It is a sunny and pleasant place to live, surrounded by beaches, parks, mountains.