Postdoctoral Research Associate

This is a full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral research position focused on understanding turbulent mixing in the Arctic Ocean. The role involves developing theoretical models and numerical simulations to analyze fluid dynamics, parameterizing these processes for climate models, and assessing their impact on the Arctic's state. Applicants should have strengths in theoretical and/or computational work relevant to oceanographic turbulence.

• This post is full-time (35 hours per week)
• however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.
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• This project aims to (1) understand the fluid dynamics of small-scale processes in the Arctic Ocean that have the potential to redistribute heat and other tracers between the ocean surface and interior through turbulent mixing, (2) develop parameterisations of these processes for implementation in ocean and climate models, and (3) assess the impact of turbulent mixing on the Arctic Ocean state.
• The PDRA(s) on this project will, together with the PI and her collaborators, develop theoretical models (e.g. for linear topographic wave generation), which will be verified against idealised numerical simulations using Oceananigans.
• Existing oceanic observations will be used throughout to identify the relevant regimes and evaluate results.
• Parameterisation schemes will be implemented and assessed in a regional Arctic model in collaboration with project partners at the National Oceanography Centre.
• The specific balance of theoretical and computational work can be tailored to the successful candidate's strengths.
• These positions are funded by UKRI to work with Dr Lois Baker on understanding turbulent mixing in a changing Arctic Ocean.
• As our climate warms, Arctic currents are expected to become more energetic.
• This could result in more turbulence generation from small-scale processes such as internal waves, and consequently more heat flux from the relatively warm, deep Arctic to the vulnerable surface sea ice.
• Climate models do not currently represent these processes, which are dynamically different from those elsewhere in the global ocean.
• The project involves collaboration with partners at the National Oceanography Centre and the Universities of Cambridge, Southampton, and British Columbia.

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