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The Coastal and Regional Oceanography group is a dynamic team of researchers, including academics, postdocs, data scientists, technical staff, and PhD students conducting research focussed on the dynamics of the East Australian Current System and the continental shelf circulation along the coast of SE Australia. The team are based in the School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences with close collaborations with the School of Maths and Statistics. UNSW has notable strengths in Oceanography, Marine Science, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Data Science, and Statistical Analysis and Methods and is regularly ranked top 25 universities in the world for Oceanography (ARWU).
The primary research goal of the Coastal and Regional Oceanography group is to make a significant contribution to understanding and predicting the East Australian Current, a major western boundary current, and its impact on shelf processes. The group uses modern in-situ observations (e.g high frequency coastal radar, moorings, autonomous ocean gliders), boat-based field work from small and large vessels, satellite remote sensing in combination with advanced numerical modelling to explain fundamental ocean dynamics, warming trends and marine extremes, and to gain an integrated, quantitative understanding of their impacts on bio-geo-chemical processes. The group has expertise in the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) and 4DVar data assimilation, with strong links to international collaborators. The group play a leading role in Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS: www.imos.org.au), responsible for the ongoing operation of the ocean-observing programme along south-eastern Australia.
The position will primarily provide numerical modelling and software engineering support for the development of ocean modelling toolkits and model enhancements to facilitate regional ocean modelling, created under the umbrella of SEA-COFS co-funded by Australia’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Scheme. The incumbent will be responsible for the development and maintenance of software tools to accomplish model downscaling, data management, real time model runs, and other regional modelling activities within the SEA-COFS framework. The incumbent will also contribute to the development of toolkits to streamline data assimilation efforts within ACCESS-NRI Earth System Model infrastructure and will support post-processing of ocean model output.
About the role
- $119K - $140K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
- Fixed Term – 2 years
- Full-time (35 hours per week)
The role reports to Prof. Moninya Roughan and has no direct reports. It is expected that the appointee will engage and collaborate with other members of the research teams including Dr C. Kerry and A/Prof. S. Keating (UNSW) and Prof A. Hogg (Australian National University). While the role does not involve any supervisory responsibilities, the possibility exists to be involved in the co-supervision of students on the project.
Specific responsibilities for this role include:
- Develop numerical ocean models and perform model runs in a high-performance computing environment.
- Acquire, organise and format required input observational datasets (e.g., from online data repositories, project collaborators), create model forcing, and boundary data using Python or Matlab and generate model grids.
- Conduct research activities under limited supervision and be an integral member of the modelling team.
- Provide technical research support and guidance to students, colleagues and collaborators working with regional ocean modelling systems.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in ocean modelling software engineering techniques and incorporate new methodologies into existing models.
- Contribute to the preparation of technical and scientific publications and provide quantitative data analysis as required to communicate project outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
- Participate in and/or present at relevant conferences and/or workshops to communicate project outcomes as required and communicate with industry partners and stake holders.
- Contribute to the development of project planning documents, research proposals, budgets, and regular reporting.
- Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
- Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.
About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)
To be successful in this role you will have:
- PhD or equivalent level of knowledge in Physical Oceanography or related discipline (e.g., coastal or ocean engineering) gained through a combination of education, training or experience.
- Experience analysing large oceanographic datasets and publication of results in quality journals.
- Experience with regional ocean modelling systems (e.g., ROMS, HYCOM, FVCOM) and related software.
- Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence.
- Competent programming ability, including proficiency in C++/ Fortran, Linux, bash, git, Python / Matlab and NetCDF and experience working with high-performance computing environments and github.
- Experience deploying regional ocean models in a high-performance computing environment and Cloud computing environment such as Amazon Web Services.
- Understanding of Data Assimilation techniques (preferably variational methods, e.g. 3D-Var/4D-Var) although experience in ensemble methods is also desirable.
- Ability to work in a team and independently, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships. Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders, project partners and students.
- Excellent organisation and influencing skills. An action oriented, supportive and positive attitude with a curious mind that encourages exploration. Attention to detail and an ability to prioritise tasks and manage projects in a timely fashion.
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training
Ensure you systematically address the selection criteria listed above in your application.
Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.
Contact:
Moninya Roughan
E: mroughan@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: May 31st, 2024
Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
