Postdoctoral Research Associate – Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Associate In Tropical Climate/Paleoclimate Modeling And Data-Model Intercomparison

The Climate and Paleoclimate Lab in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at WashU in St. Louis seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in tropical climate/paleoclimate modeling and data-model intercomparison. The successful applicant will contribute to a new, NSF-funded project investigating Holocene precipitation changes in the tropical Americas, with a particular focus on dynamics of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and its interactions with other circulation features that drive land-based precipitation. The successful candidate will analyze existing earth system model simulations (e.g., isotope-enabled CESM1.2 and MPI-ESM1.2) and run new simulations, including tagged-water experiments to track changes in moisture sourcing under different climate conditions. Results will be compared with new biomarker-based paleo-hydroclimate proxy records being generated in the Climate and Paleoclimate Lab as well as other records from the region. The postdoc will also collaborate on developing curricular resources to support K-12 and college-level weather and climate education in St. Louis and the broader Midwest. There may be opportunities to pursue additional research topics pertaining to hydroclimate and/or water isotope variability in the tropical Americas, depending on interests and experience; candidates are encouraged to discuss these interests in their application, if relevant. Conducts, analyzes, reports on, and disseminates original research using climate and earth system models, in collaboration with the PI.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Following instructions and discussions with the Principal Investigator, designs and executes research protocols for analysis of climate model output. Performs new model experiments as needed.
• Analyzes data and writes interpretative reports. Verifies the correctness of the data and code. Organizes data and submits code and datasets to approved archives.
• Documents research results and takes a leading role in preparing and submitting papers based on research work for publication and presentation at conferences.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting as needed.
• Under supervision of Principal Investigator, assists with student mentoring including taking a leading role in the mentorship of one undergraduate student. As needed and as appropriate, assists graduate students with accessing climate model output for their research.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary Range: Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions: In your application, please include your CV, a brief statement of your interests, and the names/contact info for 3 references. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Bronwen Konecky (bkonecky@wustl.edu).