"Phd for Mediterranean Sea Overturning Circulation"

About our Campus:

Hebrew University’s Edmond J. Safra Campus is a vibrant hub of academic and research excellence nestled in the heart of Jerusalem. Our modern campus boasts state-of-the-art lab facilities, world-renowned faculty, and a stimulating environment that fosters scientific exploration, intellectual growth, and innovation.

About the Institute of Earth Sciences:

Scientists in our institute explore topics such geophysical fluid dynamics, air-sea interaction, the general circulation of the oceans and atmosphere, climate change, paleoclimate, ocean biogeochemistry, climate model uncertainties, geophysics, and geology. The Institute supports cutting-edge modelling, observational, and experimental research with some of the world's most advanced laboratories.

About Our Research:

The oceanic overturning circulation significantly impacts the global climate system by redistributing heat, energy, and materials. The Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS) is a hub of dense water formation and its export influences the North Atlantic overturning circulation and, consequently, the global climate system. The PhD student will investigate the dynamics and physical processes governing EMS dense water formation and overturning circulation. The research will address questions surrounding the precise locations of these processes—whether in gyres, boundary currents, or sub/mesoscale anticyclones. The project will involve developing high-resolution numerical models, participating in observational campaigns, and deriving theoretical models and scaling laws to understand the EMS overturning circulation’s dependence on broader climate conditions.

Job Description:

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join a research project focused on the Mediterranean Sea’s overturning circulation. The successful candidate will develop advanced numerical model configurations, participate in observational campaigns, and analyze observational data. The research aims to resolve outstanding questions about dense water formation in the EMS and its global climatic impact. The work will take place as part of a multi-institutional research grant, providing numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific growth.

About Your Supervisor:

Dr. Aviv Solodoch is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Earth Sciences. He leads the Physical Oceanography in Multiple Scales (POMS) Lab, focusing on oceanic processes across various scales, from small-scale mixing and waves to the global overturning circulation. His research interests include boundary current instability, vortex dynamics, density currents, and air-sea interactions. Dr. Solodoch employs both numerical modeling and marine observations, utilizing innovative instrumentation to study physical processes in the oceans.

Funding:

80,000 – 120,000 NIS (depending on qualifications)

Your Profile (To excel in this role, we seek candidates with):

• Strong background in theoretical and computational oceanography, atmospheric dynamics, fluid dynamics, engineering, or applied mathematics.
• Experience in observational or experimental research (advantageous).
• Self-driven, determined individuals with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Embracing Diversity:

At Hebrew University we believe that diversity inspires creativity, fosters curiosity, and enriches our ecosystem through academic collaboration and cultural exchange. We consider every member of our community an integral part, irrespective of their religion, gender, or ethnic origin.

HUJI is home to nearly 25,000 students across our 6 campuses, including ~2,500 international students per year representing 90+ countries. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to engage with your peers here on equal ground, in an environment that promotes equity and inclusion, and celebrates the contribution of its talented members.

Application:

Please submit your application as three separate PDFs, each containing the following:

• Letter of motivation
• CV (including a list of publications)
• Copy of your original academic degree(s)

Application Deadline: See details below.