NOAA Postdoctoral Harmful Algal Bloom Numerical Modeler Fellowship

Organization
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Reference Code
NOAA-NCCOS-2023-01
How to Apply

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A complete application package consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV
  • Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Application Deadline
8/18/2023 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

NOAA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Stressor Detection and Impacts Division (SDI), Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Forecasting Branch located in Beaufort, North Carolina or Silver Spring, Maryland. Remote reporting or a hybrid schedule may be possible.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) formed the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) in 1999 as the focal point for NOAA’s coastal ocean science efforts. NCCOS helps NOAA meet its coastal stewardship and management responsibilities, provides coastal managers with the scientific information necessary to decide how best to protect environmental resources and public health, preserves valued habitats, and improves the way communities interact with coastal ecosystems.

Research ProjectSpecific projects include model development and validation for Lake Erie and Lake Okeechobee.  These two lakes experience severe harmful cyanobacterial blooms.  We are developing new models to forecast these blooms by integrating satellite data with other environmental data.  This effort involves identifying potential enhancements and strategies for incorporating data sets, evaluating model results, and assessing forecasts.  

Specific research activities include: 1) evaluation of existing models (circulation, particle trajectory, etc.), 2) development of new models, 3) creation and analysis of satellite derived products for cyanobacteria and algal biomass, 4) integration of modeling products to produce HAB forecasts, 5) model validation using field data, and 6) communicating findings with stakeholders.

Learning ObjectivesUnder the guidance of a mentor, the selected candidate will gain experience in various research activities including ecological monitoring and modeling development and validation techniques, satellite data processing, data analytics,  as well as generating outreach materials and technical documentation. 

MentorThe mentor for this opportunity is Richard Stumpf (richard.stumpf@noaa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2023.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of NOAA and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens.

ORISE InformationThis program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and NOAA. Participants do not become employees of NOAA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: If you have questions about the application process please email NOAA@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Oceanography, Aquatic Sciences, Marine Sciences, Limnology, Biological Sciences), or be currently pursuing the degree with completion before August 1, 2023. Degree must have been received within the past three years.

Preferred skills:

  • Research experience, a demonstrated ability to work independently and part of a team, and a working knowledge of numerical models for open ocean and coastal systems.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 36 months or anticipated to be received by 8/1/2023 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (2 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (5 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )