A postdoctoral research position in the area of ocean circulation and submesoscale dynamics is
available at the Center for Prototype Climate Modeling (CPCM), a new interdisciplinary research unit
of the New York University Abu Dhabi Institute, located within NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus. The core
activities of the Center are focused on three related themes: (I) The development of new methods,
including diagnostics, data assimilation, parameterization, and prediction; (II) the application of these
methods to critical problems in the dynamics of the tropical and subtropical atmosphere and ocean; and
(III) the study of the interaction of biogeochemical cycles and climate. The Center currently consists of
its PI Andrew Majda, co-PIs Shafer Smith and Olivier Pauluis, Senior Scientists Zouhair Lachkar and
Ajaya Ravindran, five postdoctoral researchers, one support scientist and a center manager.
The duties of the successful candidate include: i) enhancing our understanding of the effects of ocean
submesoscale processes on biological production and biogeochemical cycling in coastal and open
ocean systems and 2) developing and implementing new parameterizations of effects of submesoscale
processes on biogeochemical fluxes in coarse resolution general circulation models. To this end, a
hierarchy of idealized conceptual models as well as regional setups of the Regional Oceanic Modeling
System (ROMS) will be used to investigate a number of hypotheses associated with the coupling
between submesoscale physics and biogeochemical processes.
While talent and exceptional research in relevant fields are paramount, we especially encourage
applications from researchers with a background in geophysical fluid dynamics, applied mathematics
or ocean modeling. The project will be supervised by Dr. Zouhair Lachkar and Prof. Shafer Smith.
Appointments are offered for two-year periods, contingent upon positive annual reviews; extensions for
longer periods are possible in exceptional cases. The annual salary is in the range $65K-$80K,
depending on qualifications. NYU Abu Dhabi offers very substantial benefits, including allowances
above and beyond salary for housing, transportation, and annual home visits, in addition to full health
insurance and an attractive retirement plan. All positions will be based in Abu Dhabi, but researchers
may spend a few months per year at the Courant Institute in New York City.
Applicants should send a CV, a statement of research interests and the names of three professional
references via email to our Center Manager, Asma Kamal (asma.kamal@nyu.edu). The position will
remain open until a suitable candidate is hired.