The Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington (APL-UW) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in physical oceanography as part of a NASA-funded study of Arctic salinity and stratification at the sea ice edge (SASSIE). The postdoc will use data from a range of in situ and remote sensing platforms to investigate the spatio-temporal evolution of fresh meltwater layers in the Beaufort Sea and their impacts on upper ocean properties and sea ice. The postdoc will have the opportunity to join the month-long SASSIE research cruise in September 2022 to help collect these observations, which will include ship-based measurements, remotely-piloted surface and aerial vessels, drifters, and floats. 

The postdoc will join a collaborative observational team that spans three APL-UW departments (Air-Sea Interaction and Remote Sensing Department, Polar Science Center, and Ocean Physics Department), and will also work closely with the broader SASSIE team, with investigators from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Earth and Space Research, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. 

The postdoc will synthesize a variety of in situ, airborne, satellite, and model data. Specific research directions will be designed by the postdoc in conjunction with the SASSIE team, and could include upper ocean stratification and dynamics; sea ice evolution, formation and interaction with the ocean; impacts of surface waves; or other topics to be determined.

In addition to disseminating results at major conferences and in peer-reviewed journals, postdocs are encouraged and mentored in writing grant proposals. A notable feature of APL postdoc positions is the ability to submit grant proposals as PIs under supervision, with the goal of establishing an independent research program and career path. 

We strive to promote greater diversity among applicants than is currently found in our field, and we strongly encourage applications from all groups that are underrepresented in the Geosciences. The position is open to capable doctoral recipients in research fields including oceanography, atmospheric sciences, polar sciences, and related fields; degrees not in the list above could also be considered. Candidates must have completed the Ph.D. degree requirements at time of start date. 

Candidates should have experience in analyzing in situ, satellite, or model data, and the ability to work well in a team environment. Demonstrated experience with Python, Matlab, or other programming languages is a prerequisite for this position. Ability to communicate scientific results to both broad and expert audiences, orally and in writing, is indispensable to both this position and any subsequent appointments at APL-UW.

Desired skills include experience with observational data, statistics, and data visualization. 

University of Washington postdoctoral scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experiences. Finalists will have no more than 36 months of total postdoctoral experience at start date to be eligible for the expected 24 months of this position.

Each applicant will be expected to submit:

1. A CV including demonstrated scholarly output (e.g., list of publications, presentations, public datasets or code) 

2. Cover letter with a brief description of present and future research interests and how they align with the SASSIE mission.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact the UW's Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450, or 206-543-6452 (TTY), or dso[at]uw.edu.

Please contact Kyla Drushka (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for any questions about the position.

Review of applications will begin April 7 and will stay open until filled.

The Applied Physics Laboratory is a research unit at the University of Washington. Our research expertise is in ocean physics and engineering, ocean and medical acoustics, polar science, environmental remote sensing, and signal processing. We conduct research and development that is sponsored by a variety of federal and state agencies and take great pride in our long-standing status as a US Navy-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Our work takes place not only on the University of Washington campus and medical centers, but in field locations around the world – at sea, in the air, and on polar ice caps. We apply rigorous scientific inquiry and engineering excellence in pursuit of solutions to important problems for the good of our region, nation, and world.