Scientist position - Energy Backscatter in Ocean Models

Scientist position - Energy Backscatter in Ocean Models

Staff is present on three campuses in Grenoble, in close collaboration with other research and higher education institutions (Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, …), but also with key economic players in the area.

The Centre Inria de l’Université Grenoble Alpes is active in the fields of high-performance computing, verification and embedded systems, modeling of the environment at multiple levels, and data science and artificial intelligence. The center is a top-level scientific institute with an extensive network of international collaborations in Europe and the rest of the world.

The general scope of the AIRSEA project-team is to develop mathematical and computational methods for the modeling of oceanic and atmospheric flows. The used mathematical tools involve both deterministic and statistical approaches. The domains of applications range from climate modeling to the prediction of extreme events.

This position is embedded in the MEDIATION project (Programme Prioritaire de Recherche Océan et Climat, France 2030), led by the AIRSEA team. The MEDIATION projects aims to work on methodological developments for a robust and efficient digital twin of the ocean, with a focus on optimal complexity and uncertainty quantification.

In the context of MEDIATION, the objective of the representation of subgrid processes, either through deterministic or stochastic approaches, is a key aspect of the project.

Forthis position, we seek a non‑permanent researcher to develop a mathematical and numerical understanding of kinetic energy back scatter (KEB) closures in ocean models.

The core objective is to connect discrete conservation/stability properties of OGCM schemes (notably momentum/PV advection) with controlled energy transfers between resolved and subgrid reservoirs.

The work will combine discrete operator design and analysis.

A first direction is to formulate energy/enstrophy-consistent back scatter operators (negative viscosity or stochastic forcing) that are constrained by a subgrid kinetic‑energy budget. A second direction is to derive conditions under which the coupled scheme preserves targeted in variants (energy balance, PV constraints) in the discrete inner products induced by the grid and associated numerical schemes.

Another key aspect is to characterize how numerical advection choices generate “spurious” dissipation and, consequently, feed the back scatter budget. Spatial filters, usually employed in KEB implementations, will also be carefully studied. The project also opens a theoretical perspective on connections with α-model / LANS- α regularizations (modified norms, filtered transport velocities), including criteria to distinguish when KEB behaves like an α-type energy control and when it fundamentally differs.

Profile: applied mathematics / numerical analysis for geophysical flows; interest in discrete operators, in variants, and stability; scientific computing experience with realistic ocean models (either NEMO or CROCO) is a plus;
Fortran programming.

• Partial reimbursement of public transport costs (75%)
• Leave: 7 weeks of annual leave + 10 extra days off due to RTT (statutory reduction in working hours) + possibility of exceptional leave (sick children, moving home, etc.)
• Possibility of teleworking (90 days / year) and flexible organization of working hours
• Social, cultural and sports events and activities
• Access to vocational training
• Social security coverage under conditions
• From 3085 euros/gross salary monthly to 4573euros/gross salary monthly depending on the experience

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