Postdoctoral Fellow in Mars Data Assimilation

Job description / Role

Job Description
The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain, UAE, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Mars data assimilation. The anticipated start date is as soon as possible in Fall 2021, for an initial period of two years (employment contract renewed on a yearly rolling basis). Review of applications will begin on 15 August 2021, and the position will remain open until filled.

The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) arrived at Mars in February 2021 to study the influence of Mars' climate and lower atmosphere on the escape of hydrogen and oxygen from its upper atmosphere, what atmospheric processes drive diurnal variations, and how energy is transferred from the lower-middle to the upper atmosphere. EMM's unique orbit and viewing geometry make it an ideal platform to use data assimilation to combine observations with Mars General Circulation Model (GCM) simulations. The purpose of this position is to expand an existing data assimilation scheme to also assimilate aerosol and trace gas data (dust, water ice, water vapour, and ozone) from EMM's instruments. This means primarily data from the thermal infrared instrument EMIRS (Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer), but also from the visible/UV imager EXI (Emirates eXploration Imager) where possible. The overall aim is to assimilate as many datasets from EMM's instruments simultaneously, to produce complete climate states that incorporate all of EMM's lower atmosphere observations. An important aspect of the work will be to find ways to overcome internal inconsistencies that occur when simultaneously assimilating observations that are correlated, such as water vapour and water ice.

The postdoc will have some freedom to develop this research as they like, within the bounds of what has been done already. The assimilation scheme is based on the LETKF and uses the LMD Mars GCM, with previous work using observations from ExoMars-TGO-ACS and NASA-MRO-MCS. An ideal candidate will already have experience with some or all of these instruments and methods. The candidate will be expected to use the obtained data products to perform independent research on open science questions related to the Mars' atmosphere.

NSSTC will also require the successful candidate to devote some of their time contributing to its operational Earth Observation objectives, based on personal experience and expertise.

Tasks and Responsibilities
• Modify an existing Mars data assimilation scheme to also assimilate 2D aerosol optical depth maps.
• Conduct an Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) with synthetic aerosol observations.
• Assimilate both EMIRS and EXI observations into the LMD Mars GCM. (4) Provide reanalysis products to the EMM Science Team.
• Conduct independent Mars atmospheric research based on these data products.
• Develop internal and external collaborations to meet the goals of the research program.
• Publish peer-reviewed research work in the open scientific literature.
• Stay up-to-date in your knowledge of relevant areas of scientific literature.
• Present research work to a variety of audiences within the University, the UAE, and at international conferences.
• Where appropriate, contribute to supervision of interns, research assistants, and research students.
• Contribute to NSSTC operational Earth Observation objectives, based on personal experience and expertise.
• Contribute to NSSTC capacity building, outreach events, and other community services.
• Take part in NSSTC research group and business meetings.
• Represent NSSTC and UAE University within the UAE and internationally.

Requirements

Minimum Qualification
• Undergraduate degree in Physics, Mathematics, Meteorology, Astrophysics, Physical Earth Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related subject. PhD degree in Physics, Atmospheric Science, Planetary Science, Meteorology, Astrophysics, Data Science, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualification
• Undergraduate degree in Physics, Mathematics, Meteorology, Astrophysics, Physical Earth Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related subject. PhD degree in Physics, Atmospheric Science, Planetary Science, Meteorology, Astrophysics, Data Science, or a closely related field.

Expected Skills/Rank/Experience
Essential
• Extensive knowledge background in atmospheric and planetary science.
• Experience with at least two of data assimilation, atmospheric modelling, and planetary data analysis.
• Experience with large-scale scientific software and related scientific programming (for example: GCMs, radiative transfer codes, spacecraft data processing pipelines, etc.).
• Expertise in Linux, Fortran, and at least one of Python, IDL, or Matlab.
• A publication and conference record that compares favourably with others at a similar career stage.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.

Desirable
• Experience with all three of data assimilation, atmospheric modelling, and planetary data analysis.
• Technical knowledge background in data assimilation.
• Research experience related to other planets, preferably Mars.
• A working knowledge of French would be useful, but is not essential.

About the Company

Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAEU is a comprehensive, research-intensive university enrolling about 14,000 Emirati and international students. As the UAE’s flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine Colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Food and Agriculture; Humanities and Social Sciences; IT; Law; Medicine and Health Sciences; and Science. With a distinguished international faculty, state-of-the art new campus, and full range of student support services, UAEU offers a living-learning environment that is unmatched in the UAE.

As a research-intensive university of international stature, UAEU works with its partners in industry to provide research solutions to challenges faced by the nation, the region, and the world. The University has established research centers of strategic importance to the country and the region which are advancing knowledge in critical areas ranging from water resources to cancer treatments. UAEU is currently ranked the number one research university in the GCC, number two in the Arab World, and #370 globally.

UAEU’s academic programs have been developed in partnership with employers, so our graduates are in high demand. UAEU alumni hold key positions in industry, commerce, and government throughout the region. Our continuing investments in facilities, services, and staff ensure that UAEU will continue to serve as a model of innovation and excellence.