The Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma), a section of the Climate Research Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), invites applications for a postdoctoral research scientist to develop and evaluate the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (CMAM) focusing on dynamics and transport in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS).
Dynamics, transport, and chemistry in the middle atmosphere determine the distribution of stratospheric ozone and play an important role in climate variability and change. Simulations of the middle atmosphere using CMAM have played a crucial role in Canada’s contributions to international scientific assessments of ozone depletion for more than two decades. Recent development work with CMAM has focused on updating the version of the ECCC climate model CMAM is built on, by integrating the model components with the latest version of the Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM), Canada’s state-of-the-science global climate model.
As a part of the CMAM development team, the postdoctoral research scientist will evaluate the climate and variability of the UTLS simulated by CMAM, including transport through the tropopause of water vapour and aerosols as well as simulation of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). Sensitivity of the UTLS climate simulated by CMAM to vertical resolution and parameterized physics will be examined, and diagnostic software will be developed to compare results with other climate models and with observations. This includes preparation of diagnostics for anticipated water vapour and aerosol observations from the High-altitude Aerosols, Water vapour and Clouds (HAWC) satellite mission.
A Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences, physics, engineering, or a related discipline within the past 3 years is required. Candidates are expected to have established their ability to conduct original, independent scientific research, and familiarity with code development using complex scientific models, preferably global climate, or similar numerical models. The ability to program in FORTRAN and python, familiarity with the python scientific stack, git version control, and experience with Linux systems are all desirable. Working well in a team setting, and skill at communicating research results orally and in writing to a range of audiences are also important.
The position is administered by the Postdoctoral Research Program (PRP) and interested applicants are required to submit an application to the PRP inventory following instructions at https://nrcan-rncan.hiringplatform.ca/processes/6355-postdoctoral-research-program-prp?locale=en. The postdoctoral position is awarded for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second and third year.
The successful applicant will work under joint supervision by Drs. James Anstey and Jason Cole, starting in fall/winter 2025 and will be located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Interested candidates can contact Dr. James Anstey () and Dr. Jason Cole () for additional information. Review of applications in the PRP inventory will begin 6 October 2025 and continue until the position is filled.