Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Location: Stirling Campus

The Post

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the field of glacier modelling to work for a period of up to 36 months. The glacier modeller will apply the Helsinki Discrete Element Model (HiDEM) to simulations of brittle-elastic fracture, calving and retreat at Kangerlussuaq Gletsjer (KG), a large outlet glacier of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Working with these simulations and observations acquired through the Greenland ice sheet to Atlantic tipping points from Ice-sheet Loss (GRAIL) project, the postholder will investigate the influence of ocean-melting and ice-mélange on calving and stability of KG. These simulations will be utilised to (i) assess KG’s response to historic climatic forcing, and (ii) calibrate a glacier calving law, the latter informing the representation of calving in large-scale ice-sheet models.

The position will be based in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Stirling (UK). The successful appointee will be centrally involved in the delivery of the ARIA-funded Forecasting Tipping Points programme, and will work collaboratively with Professor Doug Benn (University of St Andrews) and Dr Jan Åström (University of Helsinki / CSC-IT Centre for Science). Fracture modelling, as applied to glacier calving, is a dynamic area of research. The postholder will work with an expert team of glacier modellers and the continually progressing HiDEM code, and will be embedded in a large team of PDRA ocean and ice modellers within GRAIL. As such, there is scope for the postholder to direct the project based on new HiDEM capabilities and the candidate’s interests, within the broad remit of the GRAIL project’s funding requirements.

Description of Duties

• Apply HiDEM to simulations of brittle-elastic fracture and calving of KG; quantify the model’s ability to represent the historical response of KG to climatic forcing
• Plan and execute HiDEM simulations to calibrate a glacier calving law
• Apply recent advancements to the HiDEM structure to investigate mélange-calving interactions at KG
• Collaborate with GRAIL colleagues to investigate the role of ocean-melt processes on calving behaviour

Essential Criteria

• PhD or equivalent experience in an appropriate discipline
• A background in numerical ice-sheet, glacier or fracture modelling, or equivalent experience
• Robust experience with computer coding (e.g., Python, C++)
• Track record of publication, commensurate with career stage, in internationally recognised journals
• Ability to identify, analyse and solve complex scientific and logistical problems

For further information, including a full description of duties, essential criteria and details on how to apply, please see Vacancy details | University of Stirling

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