OCE Postdoctoral Fellowship - Climate-scale Forcing of Phytoplankton Community Structure in the South Indian Ocean

The position:

A unique opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to gain a prestigious "Office of the Chief Executive" (OCE) Postdoctoral Fellowship with CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR). The successful candidate will have a background in oceanographic and/or satellite Earth observation research and will investigate phytoplankton variability in the south-eastern Indian Ocean. The project aims to quantify rates of ocean carbon cycling and the response of marine ecosystems to cllimate forcing.

You will be based at the Centre for Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) in Floreat (Perth) Western Australia, joining a multi-disciplinary team with internationally-recognised expertise in satellite ocean colour, dynamic ocean modelling and analysis of climate variability. The research will require the analysis of long-term records of satellite-derived visible spectrum radiometry (ocean colour) and the application of state-of-the-art, eddy-resolving, biogeochemical ocean models.

The ability and willingness to travel within Australia and internationally is a key requirement of the role.

Specifically you will:

• formulate a subset of key research questions to investigate and develop these into a detailed project plan;
• apply and develop a variety of research approaches, building on the research expertise of the supervisory team;
• apply results to improve future predictions of phytoplankton response to climate;
• work within a team environment, interacting effectively with the project supervisors and other members of the group;
• communicate research results through publications in high-impact international journals and through presentations at national and international conferences.

Location:    Floreat (Perth) Western Australia
Salary:        AUD78K - AUD85K plus up to 15.4% Superannuation (Pension Fund)
Tenure:       3 year term
Ref No.:       WA12/03093

To be considered you will hold a PhD in a quantitative discipline relevant to Oceanographic Sciences, Satellite Earth Observation or Numerical Forecast Modelling, and have competency in computer programming.

You will also have:

• an understanding of the physical, chemical and biological oceanographic processes that influence phytoplankton production in the oceans;
• knowledge and research experience in one or more of: developing numerical modelling codes, satellite data analysis or developing satellite remote sensing algorithms;
• excellent oral, written and presentational skills, with a record of research publications in international journals;
• a track record of initiative and effective communication within a team environment plus the ability to form and maintain successful working relationships;
• the ability to take direction, work capably under limited supervision and adapt to changing circumstances.

Owing to terms of the fellowship, candidates must not have more than 3 years of relevant Postdoctoral experience.

About CSIRO:

Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities.

Click on the link below for the full position description and selection criteria.

POSITION DETAILS WA12/03093