Postdoctoral Research Fellow- Lidar Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Date posted
Dec. 18, 2023 1:15 pm
Application deadline
Mar. 31, 2024 5:00 pm
Organization
Texas Tech University
Location
- United States
Job description
The Department of Geosciences at Texas Tech University (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/geosciences/) seeks an early-career postdoctoral scholar to provide scientific and meteorological expertise in the areas of lidar based remote sensing of boundary layer turbulence and thermodynamical processes over arid region. The scholar will collaborate on the newly developed ABL-ROAD (Atmospheric Boundary Layer Research Over Arid Domains) program. In addition to empirical boundary layer process studies, the postdoctoral researcher will also perform weather-scale analyses of model data mismatch (MDM) experiments using archived simulations from High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) models for the broader region.
As part of this opportunity, the researcher will explore and develop new observational tools and MDM approaches for boundary layer processes focusing on the impact of dryland ecosystem on boundary layer kinematics and thermodynamics. Furthermore, the researcher will explore the potential for new and emerging boundary layer profiling systems including lidar, sodar and ceilometer to enhance our knowledge on the boundary layer parameterization schemes. The key tasks involved in the project are to (1) acquire and analyze new lidar and in-situ measurements under appropriate synoptic conditions to document boundary layer turbulence processes over an arid region; (2) synthesize observations obtained from the West Texas Mesonet for time periods > 5 years; (3) systematically investigate how model errors vary as a function of soil-vegetation-atmosphere nexus and associated meteorological conditions; (4) provide insights into the soil moisture control on land-atmosphere interactions toward help developing new parameterizations; and (5) explore the coupling between soil moisture, precipitation, and near- surface temperature in transitional regions (e.g., semiarid and semi-humid) of southwest US.
The incumbent will work with Prof. Sandip Pal and his group members of Boundary Layer Meteorology research group (https://sites.google.com/view/sandippal-ttu/). The position will be based in Lubbock, TX, a mid-sized metropolitan located in the heart of West Texas. Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state- assisted institution. The Department of Geosciences is the home of a large number of vibrant research programs lead by more than 35 full time faculty members in three core areas (Geography and GIS, Geophysics and Geochemistry, and Atmospheric and Climate Sciences).
Required Qualifications
Specific required qualifications include:
- Completion (by the time of the appointment) of a Ph.D. in meteorology/atmospheric science/physics/environmental science or related field.
- A documented record of research experience in lidar operation, data acquisition and analyses, and interpretation.
- Experience in leading peer-reviewed publications
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the required qualifications, individuals who have one or more of the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Experience with field work and analyses of multivariable meteorological data sets obtained via ground-based meteorological stations.
- Knowledge, and expertise in areas of ground-based remote sensing, dynamics of the boundary layer, and land atmosphere feedback processes
- Experience in the evaluation of numerical model simulations
Applicants should identify their experience in the above areas and outline them in their cover letter and statement of research. This is a full-time benefits eligible fixed term 12 month position with a salary of
$65,000 per year. Information on benefits may be found at:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/EmpBenefits/CurrentEmpIns.php. You are encouraged to apply on or before Mar 31, 2024 but position will remain open until an appropriate candidate has been found. The anticipated start date for the position is prior to June 1, 2024, but is negotiable. Funding and research support are available for a period of 18 months but may be extended depending on the availability of additional funding and evaluation of performance. To apply please upload a cover letter, CV with list of publications, a statement of research, and the contact details for at least three people who will provide a letter of reference. Apply here: https://bit.ly/ABL-ROAD
For additional information, please email Prof. Sandip Pal (sandip.pal@ttu.edu).
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