Ocean Modeller - Overflows

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Salary: £29,181 - £33,558

Full time (37 hours per week)

Fixed term (3 years)

About the role:

The Marine Systems Modelling Group at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is seeking to recruit an Ocean Modeller to increase its ocean modelling capability. You will join a vibrant research group at the forefront of the development and analysis of high-resolution numerical models of the global ocean, sea-ice and biogeochemistry. You will improve the ability of these models to represent the overflows of deep water masses between key ocean basins, and improve our understanding of their important role in the climate system. Your work will initially comprise the implementation and assessment of two very high resolution (1/36°) regional models to represent the overflows between the Nordic Seas and the Atlantic, and from the Mediterranean, including the development and optimization of novel vertical coordinate systems. You will then embed these optimized regional models within a global 1/12° model to assess the impact of the improved overflows on the global ocean circulation.

Your work will contribute to the recently funded multi-institute programme CLASS (Climate Linked Atlantic Sector Science, ​https://projects.noc.ac.uk/class, aimed at better understanding how the Atlantic ocean circulation will evolve under climate change) and the EU IMMERSE programme (​https://immerse-ocean.eu, for the international development of the NEMO ocean model in the framework of COPERNICUS, which delivers operational ocean services for Europe). You will also contribute to the national development of NEMO through a major joint ocean modelling programme between NOC and the Met Office (JMMP), and will ensure close collaboration with European NEMO modellers through the DRAKKAR International Research Network (​https://www.drakkar-ocean.eu). As such, although you will be based in Southampton, you will undertake regular visits to both the Met Office (UK) and to Grenoble University (France).

About you:

You will have a PhD in physics, mathematics or a similar numerate discipline together with direct experience of the configuration, running and assessment of ocean circulation models in a supercomputing environment. This would include a good understanding of large numerical codes (e.g. in Fortran90 or C, ideally with some knowledge of parallel/distributed computing) and modelling techniques in a UNIX environment, and of working to professional software development standards (e.g. subversion code management systems). Knowledge of the NEMO ocean modelling system (​https://www.nemo-ocean.eu, ​http://tinyurl.com/nemo-model), and of the implementation of multiple embedded regions using the AGRIF nesting tool would be advantageous, though not essential.

You should also have a strong background in physical oceanography and be familiar with the fundamentals of the ocean circulation. You will be able to diagnose and understand the modelling results and assess these against direct observations of the ocean. You will also undertake individual research and contribute to or lead scientific publications and/or reports. Finally, whilst being capable of working independently, you should also enjoy working as part of a team.

Other information:

The starting salary for this position will be at the maximum of Band 6 (£33,558) as we are seeking an exceptional candidate to ensure rapid delivery of results and to form close working partnerships with our national and international collaborators. The post will be based in Southampton though with infrequent extended periods (e.g. a month per year) at Grenoble University (France), and shorter but more frequent visits (e.g. one week, several times per year) to the UK Met Office. Please note for this role we are not able to accept or sponsor candidates who require a right to work in the UK.

About us:

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean and is one of the top five institutions of its kind in the world. With sites in Liverpool and Southampton, it is the UK’s leading centre for sea level science, coastal and deep ocean research and technology development.

What we can offer you:

At the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) we know that the quality of our science and the impact that we want it to have depends entirely on the knowledge, skills and engagement of our people. The NOC is committed to flexible employment practices to support employees’ work and personal commitments where possible. Our flexi-time system and flexible working policy contribute to this important aim.

The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free car-parking. We support opportunities for further training and development. For more information on the range of benefits we offer please contact us on 02380 596420 / careers@….

Our Commitment as an Employer:

The NOC is an equal opportunities employer which values the diversity of its employees and therefore welcomes applications from all sections of the community. In support of this commitment, we have adopted a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability and further welcome applications from ethnic minorities who are currently under-represented.

In addition to this, the NOC is an accredited Investors in People organisation, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to realising the potential of all its staff and is an active member of the Athena SWAN charter which recognises the advancement of gender equality through representation, progression and success for all.

How to apply:

To apply, please use the following link

​https://careers.noc.ac.uk/vacancy/ocean-modeller-overflows-391843.html

If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC Careers Team at careers@….

For general enquiries regarding this role, please contact Adrian New (A.New@…) or Bablu Sinha (bablu.sinha@…).

Closing date: 8 September 2019