Post-doctoral scientist position at the UCLouvain, Belgium: influence of ocean mesoscale eddies in polar regions on atmospheric dynamics

The position is open within the Horizon Europe project ‘European Eddy-Rich Earth System Models’ (EERIE, https://eerie-project.eu/) which gathers 17 leading institutes from Europe and beyond. The goal of EERIE is to understand the role of ocean mesoscale processes on climate variability and changes over seasonal to centennial time scales in order to improve climate predictions and projections. This implies the development of new Earth System Models able to explicitly represent the ocean mesoscale and its impact on the climate dynamics as well as the analysis of new simulations performed with those models. The main contributions of UCLouvain in the project are related to polar regions and their interactions with lower latitudes.

In this framework, applications are open for the following position:

Post-doctoral researcher

Starting date: Ideally in November/December 2023 but can be negotiated

Full time position for 24 months with possibility to extend to 36 months

Net monthly salary: 2800-3100 € (depending on seniority - this includes social insurance). Transportation to and from the workplace is covered. Location: Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium

The candidates must not have spent more than 2 years in Belgium over the last 3 years and should not have obtained their PhD more than 6 years before the starting date of the grant.

The post-doctoral scientist will be responsible for the analysis of existing simulations with Earth System Models able to represent oceanic mesoscale processes in order to quantify the impact of the eddies in polar regions on the atmosphere. The analysis will cover a broad range of scales from the local modifications above the eddies to changes in large-scale atmospheric circulation and teleconnections and how this potentially feeds back on the ocean variability. A particular focus will be paid to the role of sea ice in modulating the atmosphere-ocean interactions.

Required qualifications:

  • To have a PhD in climatology or related field;

  • To have published in peer-reviewed international journals;

  • To have strong experience in programming and in managing large data sets;

  • To have demonstrated good verbal and written communication skills in English;

  • To have interest in working in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Previous experience in polar climate dynamics or in modelling is an asset.

Applicants should send an e-mail to Hugues Goosse (hugues.goosse@uclouvain.be) including (i) a statement of research experience, qualification and interest, (ii) a complete CV including a list of publications, and (iii) the name of two scientists who would agree to send a letter of recommendation.

Review of the applications will start July 5 and the call will remain open until the position is filled.