Job offer in marine environment forecasting
A 2-year post doc position is available at the Modelling for Aquatic Systems research
group (MAST) of the University of Liège (ULiege) (Belgium). MAST is devoted to the
development of ocean numerical models for understanding, forecasting and
managing the ocean. The position is offered in the frame of the European Union
Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS). The CMEMS provides
state-of the-art analyses and forecasts of the ocean state each day combining
information from observations (both satellite and in-situ) and numerical ocean
models. This information is freely available to a wide community of users offering an
unprecedented capability to observe, understand and anticipate marine environment
events. The MAST is part of the Black Sea marine forecasting centre (BS-MFC) as a
production unit for the biogeochemistry of the Black Sea.
The post doc will have to work on the research and development part of the
biogeochemical operational model of the Black Sea. He/she will have to make the
necessary adaptations and fine tuning of an existing biogeochemical model (BAMHBI
for Biogeochemical Model for Hypoxic and Benthic Influenced Areas) (already run in
operational) in lines with new expectations and for further fine tuningthe quality of
the results. In particular, a submodule describing the dynamics of carbonate systems
adapted to the oxygen deficient conditions of the Black Sea will have to be developed
and coupled with BAMHBI. Multidecadal simulations will be performed and model
skills will be thoroughly assessed using in-situ (e.g. Argo floats) and satellite (e.g.
Sentinel 3) data delivered by the CMEMS in-situ and ocean color thematic assembly
centers. Based on models skills, the necessary model adaptations will have to be done
(e.g. refinement of the optical model, processes at the transition layer between
oxygenated and anoxic zone). In connection with the research performed in the MAST
group, improvements of model quality thanks to data assimilation will be assessed.
The post-doc will have to contribute to the yearly CMEMS Ocean State Report
delivered by estimating the long term trend in biogeochemical variables with for
instance, a particular attention to the deoxygenation issue and assessment of the pH
state. Ocean Monitoring Indicators that can be derived from model outputs and are
relevant for climate change assessment will have to be developed and tested.
Requirements for application:
