Context And Mission
The climate effect of dust produced by wind erosion of arid and semi-arid surfaces, introduces uncertainties that impede accurate projections of future climate change. Current models struggle with coarse resolutions, hindering accurate simulations of dust emission and dynamics. In this context, we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to cutting-edge research in high-resolution dust modeling as part of the EU TerraDT project. The successful candidate will develop and implement an advanced dust emission scheme in a high-resolution Digital Twin climate model based on ECMWF’s Integrated Forecasting System (IFS). The role involves:
- Improving dust emission and transport simulations in climate models.
- Evaluating model performance using observational datasets.
- Collaborating on high-impact research initiatives, including the NASA EMIT mission, ERC FRAGMENT project, and the Dust-DN MSCA doctoral network.
- Engaging with leading dust and climate research institutions to drive scientific advancements.
This position offers access to state-of-the-art computing resources and a collaborative environment, fostering interdisciplinary research and professional development.
About the Center and the Research group: The Barcelona Supercomputing Center – Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS) is Spain’s leading supercomputing facility, dedicated to advancing information technologies for scientific progress. Within BSC, the Atmospheric Composition Group co-led by Dr. Carlos Perez García-Pando has currently 50 researchers and engineers and is a global leader in dust modeling and forecasting, hosting the WMO Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS) for North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The group also hosts an AXA Chair on Sand and Dust Storms and actively participates in European Commission (EC) research programs and collaborations.
Key Duties
* Model Development: Integrate and improve advanced dust emission schemes into a high-resolution climate model.
* Scientific Research: Investigate dust emissions, transport, and their climatic impacts.
* Data Analysis: Utilize observational datasets for model evaluation and validation.
* Collaboration: Work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, modelers, and computational researchers.
* Publication & Dissemination: Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
Requirements
* Education
o PhD in Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
* Essential Knowledge and Professional Experience
o Proven experience in dust or aerosol modeling developments
o Proficiency in FORTRAN and experience working with supercomputing platforms
o Familiarity with atmospheric data formats NetCDF) and scientific tools (CDO, NCO, Python, or R).
* Additional Knowledge and Professional Experience
o Experience in dust emission, boundary layer/turbulence or land/atmosphere interaction modeling (not mandatory, but valued)
o Knowledge of IFS or EC-Earth models (not mandatory, but valued)
o Familiarity with Digital Twin technologies in atmospheric sciences (not mandatory, but valued)
* Competences
o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
o Attention to detail, particularly in scientific coding and model development
o Good communication skills (written and verbal)
o Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research environment
Conditions
* The position will be located at BSC within the Earth Sciences Department
* We offer a full-time contract a good working environment, a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, flexible working hours, extensive training plan, restaurant tickets, private health insurance, support to the relocation procedures
* Duration: Open-ended contract due to technical and scientific activities linked to the project and budget duration
* Holidays: 22 days of holidays + 6 personal days + 24th and 31st of December per our collective agreement
* Salary: we offer a competitive salary commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate and according to the cost of living in Barcelona
* Starting date: asap