Postdoctoral Research Associate in Simulating Nonlinear Internal Waves

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Simulating Nonlinear Internal Waves

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate in Simulating Nonlinear Internal Waves.

Position Details Location John

C. Stennis Space Center

1020 Balch Blvd

Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, 39529

United States Division Marine Science Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded Yes Salary Range 60,000. Pay Grade

Posting Close Date April 1, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications must be submitted through the jobs.usm.edu candidate portal. Upload
1) a cover letter with a brief description of present and future research interests and how they align with the NOPP project,
2) a CV including demonstrated scholarly output (e.g., list of publications and presentations),
3) names and contact information of three references. All attachments must be uploaded at the time of submission. For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Maarten Buijsman by email: maarten.buijsman. Review of applications will begin December 1 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B). J-1 visas can be issued for postdoctoral research scholars who qualify.

Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct high-resolution numerical modeling, data analysis, and model validation in collaboration with a multidisciplinary research team. The position offers opportunities for independent research, publication, and collaboration with leading ocean scientists as part of a multi-institutional National Ocean Partnership Program (NOPP; (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) effort. This full-time, 12-month position is supported by a three-year Office of Naval Research (ONR) grant.

In recent global ocean simulation studies (Solano et al.,2023; Buijsman et al., 2025) it has been shown that super tidal (nonlinear) internal wave energy is enhanced in the tropics. The aim of this project is to understand nonlinear internal wave generation, cross-scale energy transfers, and non-linear wave-mean flow interactions in this region.

Primary

Job Duties and Responsibilities

* Develop and run high-resolution simulations:
Set up nonhydrostatic numerical models (likely MITgcm) nested within regional NCOM simulations to study nonlinear internal wave dynamics near the Amazon shelf and in the Bay of Bengal.

* Provide model data support:
Share simulation output with project collaborators to inform observational cruises and mooring deployment strategies.

* Validate and analyze model performance:
Compare model results with TPXO, SWOT, and mooring observations to ensure model accuracy and consistency.

* Conduct diagnostic analyses:
Use advanced coarse-graining, spectral, and modal decomposition techniques to quantify energy fluxes and assess ocean mixing processes.

* Collaborate with project teams:
Work closely with scientists, postdocs, and students across partner institutions to meet project goals and milestones.

* Participate in meetings:
Attend and present research progress at weekly to annual project meetings, providing updates and exchanging information with collaborators.

* Publish research findings:
Lead the preparation of approximately one first-author, peer-reviewed manuscript per year and contribute as a co-author on additional publications.

* Present research results:
Disseminate findings at national and international scientific conferences.

* Support project reporting:
Assist with annual reports and other documentation required by the funding agency.

* Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography or a closely related discipline, with successful dissertation defense completed no later than December 31, 2025. Candidates must have a publication record that illustrates the ability to conduct and communicate independent research and experience with running and diagnosing MITgcm/ROMS/oceananigans.jl simulations, diagnosing observational data, coding, time series analysis, and internal wave processes. The successful candidate will be required to pass a USM employment background check and a NASA background security check to work at Stennis.

A remote work arrangement from inside the USA can be discussed.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSA's)

* Comprehensive understanding of physical oceanography, including nonlinear internal wave dynamics and ocean mixing processes.

* Strong understanding of coding, numerical modeling (e.g., MITgcm), and model validation (with TPXO, SWOT, moorings), and advanced data analysis techniques (filtering, fft, coarse-graining, modal decomposition).

* Strong communication and presentation skills for disseminating research findings at conferences and in journal articles and project reports.

* Ability to work independently and…