Applications are invited for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship supported by the collaborative research and training program Pacific Rim Ocean Data Mobilization and Technology (PRODIGY) and the Canadian Pacific Robotic Ocean Observing Facility (C-PROOF). The successful candidate will join the C-PROOF team and conduct research on ocean turbulence using observations collected by ocean gliders and other autonomous platforms. They will also contribute to the PRODIGY training program through interdisciplinary research, teaching, mentoring and stakeholder engagement.
Position Goals: The fellow will contribute to the PRODIGY and C-PROOF research missions by designing, executing and analyzing glider-centred process studies of ocean turbulence and its dynamical and/or ecological consequences in the NE Pacific Ocean. The foci of the studies can be tailored to the candidate’s interests and expertise in collaboration with the Project Leaders. Via collaboration with C-PROOF and PRODIGY partner Rockland Scientific, there is an opportunity to also engage in research that builds capabilities in sustained turbulence observation from autonomous platforms. As part of the PRODIGY program, the fellow will help to coordinate PRODIGY program classroom teaching and field schools, as well as engage with PRODIGY non-academic partners in government, industry and the NGO sectors.
Position Responsibilities:
● to work with the C-PROOF team on processing, analyzing and interpreting existing observational datasets
● to participate in the C-PROOF’s continued collection of in situ observational data
● to design and lead turbulent sensing-glider studies targeting dynamical and/or ecological process(es) of interest
● to publish research in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences
● to participate in teaching and mentoring activities with graduate and undergraduate students and engage with non-academic partners in government, industry and/or the NGO sector, as part of the PRODIGY program
Requirements:
● a PhD in physical oceanography, or related field, by the time of appointment
● experience working with ocean observations, or a keen willingness to learn; note specific experience working with ocean gliders and/or turbulent microstructure instrumentation, are assets but not strictly required
● an interest in education and mentorship in the fields of oceanography, geophysics, computer science and statistics to support state-of-the-art ocean observation, prediction and knowledge mobilization
● a capacity to lead projects with interdisciplinary collaborators and an ability to complete projects in a timely matter
● excellent communication skills
Project Leaders: The PDF will be supervised by Dr. Stephanie Waterman (University of British Columbia) and Dr. Jody Klymak (University of Victoria) and will work closely with Dr. Tetjana Ross (Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada). Dr. Philippe Tortell (University of British Columbia), the PRODIGY program director, will oversee engagement with the PRODIGY program.
Additional Details: The position will be officially based at either the University of British Columbia or the University of Victoria, with opportunities to travel between these locations, and the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney BC, for collaborative work. This is a limited term, two-year PDF position paid at a rate of $60,000 CAD per year plus mandatory employment-related benefits. Additional research funds will be provided by the Project Leaders.
Application Procedures: To apply please submit the following by email to swaterman@eoas.ubc.ca and jklymak@uvic.ca and 1) a cover letter outlining areas of research interest and relevant teaching and research experience; 2) a current CV; 3) the names of at least two references; and 4) sample research publications. Review of applications will begin 1 April 2025 and the position will remain open until filled, with a preferred start date on or before Sept. 1, 2025.
How to apply?
Please send applications to swaterman@eoas.ubc.ca and refer to reference number PDFO-58531.
Desired start date: 01 Sep 2025
Duration: Fixed term / Temporary
Contract Type: Full Time
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.