Post Doc Res Assoc Atmospheric Science

JOB TITLE:

Post Doctoral Research Associate

JOB PURPOSE:

This four-year project involves close collaboration with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Oklahoma (OU) to advance understanding of the optical properties of mineral dust aerosols through integrated laboratory measurements numerical modeling and remote sensing analyses and to run a research program targeting undergraduate students at a community college in WY for workforce development.

The researcher will focus on developing and applying advanced light-scattering simulations and particle morphology models for mineral dust aerosols in conjunction with applications to laboratory measurements and satellite/ground-based remote sensing through collaborations. The research will also assist developing and running a research program designed for undergraduate students. This position offers opportunities to engage with a multidisciplinary team contribute to high-impact publications and mentor students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Characterize the morphology of mineral dust particles from the scanning microscopic images of dust particles.
• Develop an irregular mineral dust particle model.
• Use the state-of-the-art light scattering computational capabilities to simulate optical properties of the irregular mineral dust particle model across visible to infrared wavelengths.
• Validate the optical property simulations with laboratory measurements from DRI and refine morphology models.
• Contribute to the development of mineral dust optical property datasets for use in in-situ optical probe algorithms satellite retrieval algorithms and climate models.
• Develop and assist running an immersive research program for undergraduate students at a community college in WY.
• Disseminate scientific findings at conferences and meetings and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

COMPETENCIES:

Attention to Detail
Consistency
Collaboration
Quality Orientation
Analysis/Problem Identification

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in atmospheric science physics applied mathematics computational science or a related field (degree conferred by start date).
• Strong computational skills in languages such as Fortran C/C or Python.
• Proven record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience in electromagnetic scattering theory or light-scattering computations for non-spherical particles.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments.
• Familiarity with aerosol optics and mineral dust research.
• Experience integrating model results with laboratory or remote sensing observations.