1 Postdoctoral Researcher position in Climatology - Climate Data Analysis and Modelling in Japan | The University of Aizu

To make a leading contribution to the NMM funded project “Improving multi-scale variability and interactions in a global coupled seasonal climate forecast system through embedded regional modeling at weather and cloud resolving scales”, working with Dr. Saji Hameed at University of Aizu and partners at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

Specifically the job requires expert knowledge in climate data analysis and modeling, and experience in working with diverse large climate and weather data sets and formats.

The candidate will explore the multiscale variations of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) in a coupled seasonal forecast system that is being developed for operational forecasts over India. The ISMR features exceptionally rich features in time and space resulting from the interaction of multiscale phenomenon ranging from monsoon lows and intraseasonal oscillations to low-frequency climate modes such as the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Nino Southern Oscillation. The candidate will use innovative analysis to unravel the interplay of these scales and evaluate their simulation in the coupled seasonal forecast system. S/he will also test the feasibility of using embedded regional climate modeling as a means of improving multiscale variations and interactions in the said coupled seasonal forecast system.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal Investigator:

• accordance with the project deliverables and project/group research strategy.
• Take a leading role in designing innovative analyses, including non linear techniques in support of the project objectives.
• Take a leading role in implementing the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model and designing numerical experiments in support of the project objectives.
• Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
• Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject areas, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
• Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
• Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/university/partners and wider community.
• Take a leading role in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

Knowledge/Qualifications:

• A PhD awarded within the last five years in environmental sciences, meteorology, oceanography, applied mathematics, or any other closely related subject.
• Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of climate data analysis and modeling.
• A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism.
• Knowledge of specialist open-source data analysis software (NCL, R etc.)

Essential Skills:

• Excellent data analysis and mining skills
• Research creatitivity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) including public presentations and ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
• Appropriate workload/time/project/people management skills.
• Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
• Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
• Good team leadership skills.
• Fluency in English, to be able to write, communicate and interact in an English-speaking environment.

Desirable Skills:

Comfortable developing expertise in multiple fields.

Experience:

• Experience of scientific writing
• A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences
• Experience with analysis of low-frequency climate variations and/or with handling and processing of large, multiple-source, data sets is a merit

Place of work: Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, Japan

Form of employment: The position is available up to two years, subject to satisfactory performance in the first year.

Starting date: The anticipated start date is Feb 1, 2014.The value of the fellowship corresponds to an annual salary of JPY 3,309,600. An additional annual sum of around JPY 507,600 will be paid towards social insurance and for commutation.

Application:

We welcome your application marked with Ref no. NMM/PD, CV, publication list, PhD diploma, copies of no more than five publications. A short motivation letter (< 2 pages) outlining previous research, current research interests and other activities of relevance for the position. Names and addresses of at least two reference persons. All application documents should be written in English.

Please submit your application preferably by 15 January, 2014 here.