Post-Doctoral Research Associate - AR3041SB

We are looking for a talented Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work with Dr Daphné Lemasquerier on a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project entitled “Fluid Dynamics of Deep Interiors in the Outer Solar System”.  The PDRA will work on icy moon ocean dynamics using idealised numerical models and theory. 

Icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn likely host global oceans beneath their ice crusts. The ocean controls heat and material exchanges between rocky cores and ice shells, which in turn influence the geophysical evolution of satellites and their habitability. The ocean circulation is still very poorly constrained due to the lack of observations, and modelling the interaction of the physical processes at play is a tremendous challenge for fluid dynamicists. With Europa Clipper (NASA) and JUICE (ESA) scheduled to arrive at the Jovian system in the 2030s, it is particularly timely and crucial to improve our models of the flows in icy moon oceans.

Using idealized direct numerical simulations, the PDRA will explore how thermal convection interacts with a phase change boundary in the presence of lateral heterogeneities in heating and/or stably stratified layers. The post-holder will perform a systematic study to improve our understanding of feedback effects on buoyancy-driven flows, e.g., due to the topography of the ice-ocean boundary. The final goal is to predict the potential signature of these feedback effects on observables. Depending on the interests and creativity of the candidate, there may be scope to adapt the research direction of the project as it progresses.

The PDRA will join an exciting emerging team led by Dr Daphné Lemasquerier as part of the FLF project, alongside another PDRA and three PhD students being hired. The successful applicant will join the Vortex Dynamics (Fluid Dynamics) group in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Significant budget will be available for international travel and computing resources, as well as career development opportunities.

We welcome applications from candidates who hold, or will hold before starting the position, a PhD in fluid dynamics or a cognate discipline. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their research background would feed into the project. Expertise and/or strong interest in numerical modelling and geophysical or astrophysical fluid dynamics will be an advantage. 

The post is available for 24 months starting as soon as possible.

Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be addressed to Dr Daphné Lemasquerier, email: d.lemasquerier@st-andrews.ac.uk. 

Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.  

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter and Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing Date:  25 September 2024

We encourage applicants to apply online at www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/welcome.aspx, however if you are unable to do this, please call +44 (0)1334 461990 for an application pack. 

Please quote ref:  AR3041SB                  

The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (No SC013532).

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