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POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR, Earth Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.We seek to fill a postdoctoral position in the Bottom Boundary Layer Turbulence (BLT) project, a multi-institutional team of theoretical, numerical and observational oceanographers, spanning MIT, Whole Hole Oceanographic Institution, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and National Oceanographic Center in Southampton UK. Our MIT group argued that the waters that sink into the abyss at high latitudes rise back toward the surface along thin boundary layers that develop along sloping and corrugated ocean boundaries. This hypothesis is now being tested in the BLT field study. The study consists of three cruises off the coast of Ireland in the Rockall Trough and includes the deployment of turbulent profilers and moorings to sample boundary layer turbulence, and the release of tracers to follow the upwelling of the bottom waters. The postdoctoral associate will use theory and a hierarchy of numerical models to help interpret the observational result. The work will be done in collaboration with an exciting and friendly group spread across the participating institutions.

Specific responsibilities will include: ● Develop theories of abyssal ocean circulation ● Setup numerical models to simulate the behavior of these abyssal flows ● Compare the results from the numerical simulations with observational results ● Perform independent research as well as within the BLT Team ● Interact and collaborate with a diverse team of theoretical, computational and observational physical oceanographers ● Present research results at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals. A article in Science provides more information about the overall goals of the project.

For more information about the positions, please contact Professors Raffaele Ferrari at earthmachine@mit.edu. We strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented minorities.

Job Requirements: Ph.D. in physical oceanography or a related field by the date of hire. Strong background in ocean dynamics and numerical modeling. Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills

Required Documents: Curriculum Vitae, One-page statement of research interests and three letters of recommendation.
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