Employment Opportunities
Columbia University, Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Cloud Physics
The Center for Climate Systems Research in the Climate School of Columbia University in New York invites applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position in cloud physics, global atmospheric modeling, and satellite observations at its Morningside campus in New York City. Appointment is full-time and made annually and is contingent upon funding and performance.
Of all climate feedbacks on decadal to centennial scales, the most uncertain are those associated with changes in clouds, in both the current and previous Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) generations. Such diverse behavior limits confidence in projections of future climate. The project's research goals are to characterize the response of different cloud types to climate variations (cloud feedbacks) using active-sensor CALIPSO-CloudSat observations in conjunction with other A-Train observations, and to develop constraints for climate sensitivity and climate model assessment. For this purpose, the successful applicant will decompose cloud regimes to infer their response to climate warming using global-scale A-Train satellite observations and a novel approach based on the sensitivity of clouds to environmental factors. This observational constraint will be used in conjunction with a lidar simulator to evaluate different configurations of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies NASA-GISS climate model. Finally, the successful applicant will analyze the effect of improving the cloud feedbacks on the equilibrium climate sensitivity uncertainty. This work will be performed as part of a NASA CloudSat-CALIPSO and Modeling Analysis and Prediction project and will involve strong collaborations with the NASA-GISS modeling team. The successful applicant will be expected to lead peer-reviewed publications and present results regularly at scientific meetings.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD in atmospheric sciences or related field and a strong background in cloud or climate related research.
Expertise in satellite observations, cloud-climate feedbacks and climate models, and experience with data visualization, statistical/mathematical analysis and handling of large datasets are desired. Strong command of the English language (verbal and written) and communication skills are requisite.
Additional Information
Expected salary range: $75,000. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will continue until the position is filled. Advertisement was first posted February 1, 2023.
Application Information:
We accept online applications only.
For information on how to apply for this position, please see the Columbia University Academic Search posting.
EEO Statement
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Posted 2023-02-01
