UCAR Visiting Scientist Position Available in Tidal Datum Modeling
A Visiting Scientist position is available in the Coast Survey Development Laboratory (CSDL), National Ocean Service, NOAA, Silver Spring, MD.
TIDAL DATUM MODELING: The project objective is to develop digital tidal datum fields for inshore and coastal waters of the U.S. Tidal datum fields are two-dimensional digital representations of the relationship between an astronomical tidal datum such as Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) and mean sea level. The use of vertical datums is necessary when analyzing bathymetric and land elevation data. The main focus of the project is to develop a set of high-resolution, regional-scale tide models for selected portions of the U.S. shoreline, including such diverse areas such as Charleston Harbor and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The hydrodynamic modeling approach is to use a twodimensional, unstructured grid model such as ADCIRC, Quoddy, or ELCIRC to simulate water levels on a regional scale. The offshore tidal boundary conditions for these models are supplied by either in-house, ocean-scale tide models or data from existing model-based databases. The regional models use a grid with refinements and small cells designed to capture important coastal features down to a few hundred meters. Using these regional-scale models, long time series of tidally-forced water levels are simulated. These time series are then analyzed to extract individual high and low waters, then compute a mean. From these point values the fields for Mean High Water, MLLW, and other tidal datums are constructed. After comparison with datums at water level gauges, the model-generated datum fields may be adjusted by spatial interpolation. When completed, the fields will be transferred to the uniformly gridded database used by the vertical datum transfer software, VDatum, that NOS is constructing. VDatum, which will eventually be needed for all U.S. waters within the EEZ, can then be used to create integrated bathymetric-topographic digital elevation models, assist in processing hydrographic survey data, and for several other types of marine data analysis.
The position will be filled initially by a one-year contract, with the high probability of additional years of support. The successful applicant will work with staff of CSDL in Silver Spring, Maryland, using a variety of techniques to develop tidal datum fields for selected subregions of coastal waters within the U.S. The applicant will use a variety of existing programs and software and will develop new Unix, Linux, Fortran, C, MatLab, and/or IDL software to handle unique problems. Work will be performed both by working alone and as a member of a team, using PCs, workstation computers, and/or cluster computers. Results will be written up and may be presented at scientific meetings and workshops.
Benefits include health and dental insurance, sick and annual leave, paid holidays, mandatory participation in a retirement fund (TIAA/CREF), and life insurance. A relocation allowance is provided as well as an allowance for scientific travel and other support costs.
Qualifications: Candidates should have a M.S. or Ph.D. in ocean or atmospheric sciences with experience in numerical modeling. Fluency in the Linux and Unix environments is necessary, with expertise in C, FORTRAN, IDL, MATLAB, and HTML desirable. Experience in scientific visualization is necessary as is the ability to work well as a member of a team. Experience in time series and statistical data analysis is required and experience in operational oceanography is desirable.
To apply, send the following materials to UCAR/VSP:
· A cover letter identifying this position (Tidal Datum Modeling).
· Curriculum vitae with list of publications.
· Names and contact information of three professional references.
Applicants should request reference letters be sent to UCAR/VSP as soon as possible.
· A one- to two- page statement of interest and experience as related to the position.
Application deadline: 1 March 2004
This is a one year term position with a very good possibility of renewal.
Send application materials to the address below:
Meg Austin, Director
UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs
P.O. Box 3000,
Boulder, CO 80307-3000 USA
When responding, please mention where this advertisement was listed. For further information on this and other UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs, call 303-497-8649, send e-mail to vsp@ucar.edu, or visit website: http://www.vsp.ucar.edu
UCAR is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer