Job Summary

The Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington has a Postdoctoral Scholar position open to join our research team working on improving our understanding of the methane cycle in past and modern atmospheres. Applicant will develop and utilize box models, linear inverse models, and deep learning models (U-nets, PINNs, …) to represent the methane cycle in a computationally efficient manner. These models will both inform and be trained using global chemistry-climate models. These efficient representations of the methane cycle will ultimately be used to constrain the drivers of variations in atmospheric methane the oxidative capacity of the troposphere using both satellite and isotopologue (δ13C-CH4, δD-CH4, 14CH4, and 14CO) measurements.

Responsibilities for the position include:

• Development of efficient box models, linear inverse models, and deep learning models
• Constrain drivers of methane variations using isotopologue measurements and satellite observations
• Interact with researchers developing chemistry-climate models
• Communicate results in peer-reviewed literature and conference presentations

The position will be funded for one year from the date of hire with future years of funding contingent on performance. The position will be available beginning August 15, 2023 and will remain open until filled.

Project Summary

Fate, Emissions, and Transport of CH₄ (FETCH₄; https://fetch4.github.io/) is an international collaboration of scientists from 19 institutions across 7 countries that is co-led by the University of Washington and the University of Rochester. The project is supported by Schmidt Future's Virtual Earth Research Institute (VESRI). The central focus of the project is to improve our understanding of the methane cycle and better represent the important methane-feedback mechanism in climate models. To achieve this, the FETCH₄ team will make new isotopologue measurements in both Greenland ice cores and air samples from 11 stations around the world. These isotopogolgue measurements provide unique chemical fingerprints that will allow the team to isolate the role of individual aspects of the methane cycle such as fossil fuel emissions. These new measurements will be used in combination with satellite observations to estimate individual sources of atmospheric methane as well as the chemical sink of methane. In tandem, the team will develop modeling capability to simulate these isotopologues in global climate models and then accelerate the climate models with machine learning. These computationally efficient models will be used to help interpret the isotopologue measurements and improve the representation of the important methane feedback mechanism in global climate models.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position will be $65,508 to $70,908 per year, 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 or a relocation incentive.

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.

A Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in atmospheric sciences or related field (oceanography, environmental sciences, geosciences, chemistry, statistics, data sciences, computer sciences or other quantitative science or engineering field) is required at the time of appointment. Successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to conduct data analyses and communicate results in peer-reviewed literature and presentations. Experience using atmospheric models, computer programming (python or Fortran), high performance computing, or machine learning is desired. 

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 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.

To apply, please submit the following by email to turneraj@uw.edu:

1. A cover letter highlighting your interest and why you feel you would be a good fit for FETCH4, as well as to which institution(s) you are interested in applying.
2. Your Curriculum Vitae.
3. Contact information of 4 individuals who could provide a letter of recommendation.