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PhD Fellowship in paleoclimatology + modelling (Santiago, Chile)

Call for PhD Fellowship Application: Variable Resolution Simulations of South America using CESM2

The Institute of Geography at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (PUC Chile), in collaboration with CONICET, Argentina, is looking for a highly motivated and talented individual to join our research team under the supervision of Dr. Fabrice Lambert and co-supervision of Dr. Nicolás Cosentino. We are looking for a candidate who will postulate to the Chilean National Science Foundation (ANID) fellowship for PhD students under our supervision. These fellowships are usually for 4 years, and include salary and one paid international research visit. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to perform variable resolution simulations with a focus on South America using the Community Earth System Model 2 (CESM2).

About the Research Project: The main objective of this research project is to investigate the complex paleoclimatic interactions within the Earth system, particularly focusing on South America’s unique late Quaternary climatic and environmental characteristics. The candidate will work with the cutting-edge CESM2, which is installed on the National Laboratory for High Performance Computing in Santiago, Chile. The project aims to enhance our understanding of regional paleoclimatic patterns and long-term climate variability in South America under Last Glacial Maximum and Holocene conditions.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

1) Prepare and submit a postulation to ANID for a PhD fellowship, with the supervision of the principal investigators. If funded, the PhD position would start in March 2024 at the Institute of Geography, PUC Chile. The position is physically located on the San Joaquin campus in Santiago, Chile.

2) Conduct variable resolution simulations using the CESM2 model to study South America’s climate and environmental dynamics,

3) Analyze and interpret simulation results, identifying patterns and trends in the data,

4) Collaborate with research teams from PUC Chile and CONICET, to exchange knowledge and expertise.

Requirements:

1) A Master’s degree (or equivalent 5-yr degree) in Atmospheric Science, Ocean Sciences, Geology, Physics, or a related field,

2) Strong background and interest in Earth System Modeling, climate science, and environmental research,

3) Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in Earth System Modeling (ideally Fortran, but also Python or similar),

4) Prior experience with climate models (CESM experience is a plus, but not mandatory),

5) Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (knowledge of Spanish is beneficial but not a strict requirement),

6) Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to contact the PIs by 15 September 2023. Please send the following documents in a single PDF file to Fabrice Lambert (lambert@uc.cl) and Nicolás Cosentino ( nicolas.cosentino@uc.cl):

1) Cover Letter: Express your motivation for applying to the position and your research interests related to Earth System Modeling and climate science,

2) Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include your academic background, research experience, technical skills, publications (if any), and any other relevant information. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview via video conference. The selected applicant is expected to write a short (2 pages) proposal to compete for the ANID PhD fellowship. For any questions or clarifications regarding the position or application process, please feel free to contact lambert@uc.cl and/or nicolas.cosentino@uc.cl.

Sincerely,

Dr. Fabrice Lambert (PI) Associate Professor, Institute of Geography, PUC Chile, Chile.

Dr. Nicolás Cosentino (Co-PI) Researcher, CIMA, CONICET, Argentina.