Shelf Seas Modelling Scientist – NOC

Overview

Shelf Seas Modelling Scientist
Fixed Term, Full Time (37 hours per week)
Marine Systems Modelling Group, National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Liverpool, UK

We seek a talented and enthusiastic shelf seas modelling scientist to join the vibrant Marine Systems Modelling group at NOC in Liverpool, UK. The successful candidate will work at the interface between models and observations to improve our ability to understand and predict fine scale physical processes in shelf sea environments. The role includes developing and applying the data-assimilation modelling system, based on NEMO and NEMOVAR, currently used in the NW European Continental shelf seas, particularly exploiting data from autonomous marine observing platforms such as marine gliders.

The work aims to predict physical processes that control plankton growth in shelf seas, including seasonal onset and breakdown of stratification, mixing at the pycnocline and cross-frontal transport. The post will contribute to model validation approaches using in-situ and remotely sensed observations, support trial operational observation/forecast periods, and produce multi-year assimilative products. Collaboration with the UK Met Office and other national and international partners is expected.

The work prioritises timely publication in high-impact scientific journals. The post is funded by the NERC/Defra/WWF Joint Strategic Response programme in Marine Integrated Autonomous Observing Systems and by the Copernicus Marine Environmental Monitoring Service’s Northwest European Shelf Monitoring and Forecast Centre.

This is a Fixed Term Appointment, initially available for three years offered on NERC terms and conditions.

Salary
:
The starting salary band for this position will be between £28,200 and £30,600 per annum (Band
6). Depending upon skills and experience, a salary uplift and/or additional allowances may be available for exceptional candidates.

• Work at the interface between models and observations to improve understanding and prediction of fine scale physical processes in shelf seas.
• Develop and apply data-assimilation modelling systems based on NEMO and NEMOVAR, including exploiting data from autonomous observing platforms such as marine gliders.
• Predict physical processes that control plankton growth in shelf seas (seasonal stratification, pycnocline mixing, cross-frontal transport).
• Develop and implement model validation approaches using the full spectrum of in-situ and remotely sensed observations.
• Contribute to trial operational observation/forecast periods and to the production and assessment of multi-year assimilative products.
• Collaborate with the UK Met Office and international partners; publish results in high-impact journals.
• Engage with project funders and stakeholders associated with the NERC/Defra/WWF programme and Copernicus services.

• Experience of ocean hydrodynamics, ideally in shelf sea environments, and of ocean modelling approaches, application and development.
• Experience with and/or understanding of data assimilation methods is highly desirable.
• Skilled scientific programmer, ideally with FORTRAN, and able to work in a code-development team environment.
• Strong numerate degree (science, engineering or mathematics) and PhD or equivalent research experience in physical oceanography or similar field.
• Excellent communication skills, including written and oral presentation abilities.

• Flexible working policies to support work and personal commitments (flexi-time and flexible working).
• Competitive remuneration package, including a RCUK pension scheme and 30 days annual leave plus 14 public/local days off.
• Opportunities for further training, development, and participation in international scientific activities.
• National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is a leading UK research organisation with sites in Liverpool and Southampton focusing on ocean modelling, sea level science, coastal and deep ocean research and technology development.

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) from April 2018. UKRI brings together seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and new…