We invite applicants for multiple postdoctoral research associates to join our interdisciplinary research group on the Geoengineering Assessment across Uncertainty, Scenarios, and Strategies (GAUSS) project.

The broad research goals of this project are to better evaluate the climate effects of Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention (SAI) and other forms of climate intervention and how they depend on the design strategy (through choices such as latitudes, altitudes, seasons of injection), different possible future scenarios for implementation, and uncertainties in climate model representations of stratospheric physics – all with an aim to ultimately better inform future decisions.  We believe that it would be irresponsible to advocate for or against actual implementation of climate engineering approaches such as SAI, given the absence of adequate knowledge; we also believe that conducting research is essential for informing policy around the possible range of responses to climate change.  Funding for this project comes from the Quadrature Climate Foundation for a five year program.

Our research methods mainly involve running and analyzing Earth System Models simulations and evaluating their skills against available observations. Potential research topics in our group could range from understanding the impacts of different aerosol injection choices on the climate system or its specific parts (e.g., on the cryosphere, or on extreme events) to focusing more on model uncertainty and inter-model comparisons of SAI in order to understand differences and robust responses, build climatic emulators of SAI with a wide range of application and produce and analyze Perturbed Parameter Ensembles (PPEs). Novel ideas that include application of Machine Learning techniques are also very welcome.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in atmospheric or climate science, physics, engineering, or a related field prior to employment.  Prior experience with climate intervention is not necessary.

Required qualifications are

  • A demonstrated track record of publishing peer-reviewed climate research, including analyses of large data sets, making figures, interpreting results, and preparing manuscripts for peer review;
  • The ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other researchers;
  • Written and oral communication skills, including publishing research findings in scholarly journals and oral presentations at conferences.

Preferred qualifications may include:

  • Broad understanding of the climate system, as well as demonstrated experience and knowledge in particular climate or climate-related fields, for example (but not limited to) climate dynamics, cryosphere science, oceanography, atmospheric aerosols and/or cloud physics, atmospheric radiative transfer, large-scale circulation, and/or paleoclimate science;
  • Experience in running and/or analyzing climate model output;
  • Experience with Earth System observational systems.

The initial appointment will be for one year, with the expectation of renewing for up to five years pending satisfactory performances.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

To apply, please email both dv224@cornell.edu and dgm224@cornell.edu, and include a one page cover letter outlining what you would be interested to work on, curriculum vitae, and a writing sample.  Please also specify two people from whom we can solicit letters of recommendation at a later stage. Potential candidates are encouraged to informally reach out with any question about the required qualifications: we value enthusiasm and interest and strive to be in an environment where people can learn new skills and grow.