Postdoctoral Scholar Opportunities in Clouds, Rainstorms, and Climate Change at UChicago

 

The Department of Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago invites highly motivated and creative postdoctoral scholars to join the Convection & Climate Group. Our group uses theory, observations, a hierarchy of models, and machine-learning methods to understand how tropical atmosphere works. For example, we are intrigued by several key questions in this field, including: 1) What are the environmental factors that control the temperatures of anvil clouds and tropopause; 2) Which physical processes contribute to convective organizations, such as convective self-aggregation, tropical cyclones, and the Madden-Julian Oscillation; 3) What role does water vapor play in regulating cloud cover, Earth's thermal emission, and climate change? In addition, our group is also interested in studying rainstorms in the extra-tropics, such as atmospheric rivers.

 

The successful candidates will closely collaborate with Professor Da Yang and may receive support from an NSF CAREER Award, a Packard Fellowship, and/or discretionary research funding. The initial position is for one year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional two years, subject to satisfactory progress and funding availability. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The start date is flexible, anytime from fall 2023 to summer 2024. However, we  encourage candidates to reach out as soon as possible, even if they plan for a start date in 2024. 

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Applications/How to apply:

Please email Prof. Da Yang (dayang@uchicago.edu) with the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, and (3) the names and contact information of three references. We will begin reviewing applications upon receipt on a rolling basis. The search will remain open until all positions are filled.

 

Responsibilities:

• Develop testable hypotheses to advance our understanding of atmospheric convection, dynamics, and/or climate change.

• Conduct numerical simulations and analyze observations to test the hypotheses.

• Present research findings at conferences and seminars.

• Publish results in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.

 

Minimum qualifications:

• Completed a doctoral degree in atmospheric science, climate science, fluid dynamics, or a related field at the time of appointment. However, we will seriously consider any outstanding candidates from other fields with rigorous training in mathematics and physics if they are strongly motivated to study the atmosphere and climate.

• Demonstrated ability to address significant scientific questions using the scientific method.

• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication skills.

 

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong background in at least one of the following areas: atmospheric convection, radiative transfer, climate change, atmospheric/fluid dynamics, or machine learning.

• Proficiency in numerical analysis and high-performance computing.

• Experience with atmosphere/climate models of various complexities.

• Capacity to analyze large datasets such as output from high-resolution models or observations.

• Strong planning and organizational skills, with the capacity to effectively prioritize multiple tasks, set clear deadlines, and consistently meet them.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.