The Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to study how large-scale transport of upstream properties and terrain-modified cloud and mesoscale processes affect wintertime orographic precipitation during The Snow Sensitivity to Clouds in a Mountain Environment (S2noCliME) Field Campaign in the Park Range of Colorado.

Simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model (or a similar framework) will be used to simulate storms during the field campaign, including higher resolution large eddy simulations with WRF-LES that resolve finer features of the flow around the terrain.  The postdoc will evaluate the fidelity of the simulations and use them to address questions about the relative roles of upstream conditions (e.g., moisture and aerosols), large-scale meteorology and mesoscale flowfield and cloud processes in producing the observed snowfall during S2noCLIME. The field phase of the project will be in Winter 2025 at the Storm Peak Laboratory at Steamboat Springs ski area in CO. There will be an opportunity to participate in the field during the data collection period from December 1st, 2024 - March 31st, 2025. 

Appointment Details

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 Ph.D. by the appointment start date. The salary range is between $5,705 and $6,054 per month, 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. The anticipated start date is Sep 1st, 2024.

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.

Candidates must have an earned doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in atmospheric sciences or a closely related field (at the time of appointment) and have experience in high-resolution modeling of fluid flow or a background in cloud-related research.

Desired

It is preferred that candidates have experience with one or more of the following: atmospheric modeling at large eddy simulation or cloud-resolving scales; experience with WRF or a similar modeling framework; expertise in flow around topography; experience using observational datasets to understand orographic precipitation and/or cloud-aerosol interactions; experience and have a strong programming background (ideally including experience with fortran) and verbal and written communication skills.

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 three professional references.

The position is open until filled, but priority will be given to applications received by June 1st, 2024.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. For questions about the positions, please contact Professors Lynn McMurdie (lynnm@uw.edu) and Peter Blossey (pblossey@uw.edu) by email.