The Marine Cloud Brightening Project in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington is seeking Postdoctoral Scholars to undertake global and regional modeling studies of forcing by aerosol-cloud interactions in marine warm clouds, and to explore environmental impacts of cloud brightening from deliberate injections of sea-salt aerosol into the marine environment. We are especially interested in candidates who have experience in one or more of the following areas: numerical modeling, climate dynamics, aerosol-cloud interactions, cloud or aerosol physics, observationally-based model evaluation.

The Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) Project is a research program studying interventions to cool climate through increasing the reflection of sunlight from clouds and the effects of aerosol particles on clouds and climate. Led by Professor Robert Wood in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the UW, the MCB Project is a collaboration of over 30 researchers from the University of Washington, Palo Alto Research Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and other institutions. In particular we are collaborating closely with other modeling groups on our regional and global modeling studies. Mentors/Advisors for this position could include any of the UW MCB project members (Rob Wood, Phil Rasch and Sarah Doherty) or other faculty in the UW Department of Atmospheric Sciences. 

Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and carry out climate model experiments in which aerosols are introduced into various cloud regimes of the marine boundary layer environment to explore the resulting forcing and impacts on the planet’s circulation features (near and far field impacts on clouds, winds, precipitation, ocean circulation and mixing, etc).

Compare the simulated cloud fields to observed clean and polluted clouds, and higher resolution (cloud resolving and large eddy simulations), and conduct analyses to elucidate the source of model deficiencies in accurate cloud field representation.

Collaborate with colleagues at other institutions conducting similar studies to evaluate the impact of changes in low marine clouds on atmosphere/ocean/sea-ice features (including teleconnections).

Work with scientists in the Marine Cloud Brightening project at the University of Washington and collaborating institutions to use regional and global models to identify possible experimental strategies for future outdoor studies of marine cloud brightening over the ocean.

These are twelve month appointments 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 PhD by the appointment start date. 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.

Compensation

The salary range is between $68,460 and $72,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Candidates must have an earned doctorate in atmospheric sciences or closely related field (at the time of appointment) and a background in cloud-related research.

It is preferred that candidates have: experience with atmospheric modeling global, regional or smaller scales; experience with analysis of observational datasets, particularly those required for forcing and testing cloud-resolving models; and have a strong programming background and verbal and written communication skills.

Anticipated start date will be Feb 1, 2024.

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 two professional references.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. 
For questions about the positions, please contact Professor Robert Wood (robwood2@uw.edu) by email. For questions about potential disability accommodation during the application process, please contact the UW's Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450, or 206-543-6452 (TTY), or dso@uw.edu.