Hydrologic Forecasting Postdoc Position at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA
June 2, 2022
To apply: please send CV, cover letter and 3 references to Dr. Ming Pan, m3pan@ucsd.edu
The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to (1) investigate the skills of existing hydrologic forecasts in Western US, (2) perform hydrologic modeling experiments for the purpose of hydrologic reanalysis, near real time monitoring, and ensemble forecasting, (3) improve skill of the aforementioned modeling work through measures like better forcing inputs, next-gen modeling framework, and data assimilation.
CW3E consists of 50+ passionate scientists who develop and operate state-of-the-art modeling (e.g., CW3E version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model tailored for extreme events over the Western US – West-WRF) and observing (e.g., Atmospheric River Reconnaissance) systems to improve forecast capability for weather and water extremes in Western US and to enable more effective policies and practices in the region. CW3E aims to revolutionize the physical understanding, observations, predictions/projections of extreme events in Western North America at different time scales from days to decades, including atmospheric rivers, the North American summer monsoon and their impacts on floods, droughts, hydropower, ecosystems and economy. CW3E practices UCSD Principles of Community to create a climate of fairness, cooperation, and professionalism.
This position is in part supported by CW3E’s Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) program. FIRO is a reservoir-operation strategy that uses enhanced monitoring and improved weather and water forecasts to inform decision making to selectively retain or release water from reservoirs to optimize water supply reliability and environmental co-benefits and to enhance flood-risk reduction.
The postdoc will work closely with Dr. Ming Pan and the weather and hydrology teams at CW3E. Applicants should be self-motivated and hard-working. Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce scientific publications and presentations and meet project milestones are required. The ideal candidate would have experience with hydrologic modeling and ensemble forecasting, model cal/val, and flood/drought analysis. Strong analytical backgrounds with a Ph.D. in meteorology, hydrology or environmental or civil engineering is preferred. Programming experience working in a Linux/Unix environment with experience in scripting languages such as Python and R as well as in supercomputing is desired.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. Position will remain open until filled.