Research Fellow in Physical Oceanography

Ocean and Earth Science at the National Oceanography, Southampton (NOCS) / University of Southampton is seeking to recruit a Research Fellow in Physical Oceanography to undertake research into the ocean turbulence dynamics shaping the distribution of Antarctic sea ice, and the feedbacks of ice processes on ocean stratification and circulation. The role will focus on the analysis of a range of oceanographic measurements collected in the Weddell, Amundsen and Ross seas using a range of cutting-edge instrumentation, including microstructure equipped profiling floats, autonomous underwater vehicles and specialised moorings. This analysis will be complemented by large eddy simulations of under-ice ocean turbulence, to aid in advancing observation-based process understanding.

The successful applicant will work as part of an international team examining the role of a breadth of ocean turbulence phenomena in controlling Antarctic sea ice extent, and the ways in which sea ice processes shape ocean stratification and circulation. The team includes an active sea-going oceanographic group, experts in remote sensing, numerical sea ice-ocean modellers and climate dynamicists, and is strongly motivated by the ongoing rapid changes in the Antarctic sea ice cap and in the sea ice-influenced Southern Hemisphere oceans. The NOCS team will work closely with scientists at project partner institutions in the UK (e.g., British Antarctic Survey) and internationally (e.g., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Alfred Wegener Institute, Korea Polar Research Institute).

Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent in physical oceanography (or a related field) with experience in the interpretation of oceanographic observations. A good knowledge of ocean dynamics would be beneficial. Strong quantitative and communication skills, and the ability to conduct innovative research leading to high-impact publications in international refereed journals are essential. The post is initially for 2 years, with the possibility of a 1-year extension.

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Alberto Naveira Garabato on e-mail acng@soton.ac.uk, or Dr. Alessandro Silvano on e-mail a.silvano@soton.ac.uk.