Post-Doc Research Associate

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences ( EMES) and the Institute of Marine Sciences at UNC-CH advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life, and drive environmental change. We promote exploration and discovery of the natural world by engaging students in research-based learning at all levels. Our graduates are equipped with the strong science foundation, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to tackle current and future environmental and resource challenges. We encourage engaged service that translates knowledge for the public good.

This position will join a collaborative team of oceanographers/glaciologists at Oregon State and Tufts working to improve understanding of heat, salt, and momentum fluxes and physical processes at ice-ocean interfaces, with relevance to submarine glacier melting and other ice-ocean interactions. The position will emphasize both numerical approaches (e.g., Large Eddy Simulation, Direct Numerical Simulation, multi-scale process modeling) and laboratory wave tank experiments to explore turbulent seawater dynamics adjacent to ice. Opportunities may also exist to participate in planned field campaigns in Greenland. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to improve on existing GPU-accelerated ocean models and develop laboratory experiments (in the Joint Fluids Lab at UNC), analyze results, publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific conferences, and contribute to collaborative proposals.

Ph.D. in Oceanography, Fluids Dynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics/Physics, or a closely related field.

Strong background in geophysical fluid dynamics, turbulence, or geophysical fluid mechanics. Experience with numerical modeling (e.g., LES, DNS, or CFD) and/or laboratory experiments in stratified or rotating fluids. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Demonstrated skills in scientific communication through publications and presentations.

Familiarity with ice-ocean interaction physics or polar oceanography. Experience with high-performance computing, GPU-accelerated models (e.g., Oceananigans.jl), or advanced flow measurement techniques (e.g., PIV, LIF). Interest in mentoring graduate/undergraduate students and proposal writing.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here The appointment length for this position will be for 2 years (24 months). For the recruitment period, the position will remain open until filled. However, for full consideration, applications should be submitted by Oct 1, 2025. Can start early as January 2026, but with some flexibility.
Please be sure to include the following in your application documents:
(1) Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
(2) Curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications.
(3) Names and contact information for three references. For more information about our lab go to https://unc-ocean-dynamics.github.io/

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.