We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow (1 year term, starting in September 2016) to develop and test an ice island deterioration model.

Ice islands are extensive (up to several km long) tabular icebergs that break-off of ice shelves and floating ice tongues in the High Arctic. Over the last decade, ~1000 square km of ice islands have calved from their parent ice masses and have been drifting south and breaking into progressively smaller pieces. This project will examine the deterioration of ice islands by developing and testing a model of these processes. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for model development, algorithm selection, coding and initial testing and validation.

Ideal postdoctoral candidates will have a PhD in engineering, physics or a related discipline and have well-developed mathematical and computer programming skills. They should have considerable experience in working with and creating models using methods such as finite, extended finite or discrete element modelling (e.g., Elmer-Ice, Abaqus) or other numerical techniques. They should be motivated to work in a multi-disciplinary environment, and to mentor other members in our research group. They should have a very good standard of written and spoken English and experience with scientific writing. Knowledge of geospatial, oceanographic and meteorological data formats is an asset. One year of salary at $50,000 is currently available.

Academic environment

Carleton is a comprehensive University offering a broad range of teaching and research in Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Arts/Humanities. These positions will be funded by an Ontario Early Researcher Award to pursue ice island modelling held by Derek Mueller in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Carleton University. The project will be co-directed by Greg Crocker, an Adjunct Research Professor in the Department, and an experienced iceberg drift and deterioration modeller.

We benefit from interactions with local experts on northern issues and cryospheric research on campus, in federal government (e.g., the Canadian Ice Service, Environment Canada, the National Research Council) and colleagues at the University of Ottawa. Our work is related to ArcticNet’s Impacts of the Changing Global Environment at Nunavut’s Northern Frontier project, which provides access to field and networking opportunities.

Application

Please send (a) a cover letter; (b) curriculum vitae; (c) transcripts; and (d) a writing sample such as an article or thesis. In your cover letter, explain why you are the right candidate for the position your are applying for, and why this particular topic and Carleton University would be the right choice for you.

Email your application to Derek Mueller (derek.mueller@carleton.ca) and Greg Crocker (gregory.crocker@carleton.ca). Mass applications failing to address the project outlined here will receive no reply.

Selection process

Your submission will be acknowledged by email within one week of receipt. Reviews of applications will commence on June 20, 2016.