ANU Postdoctoral Position - Climate Change Modeling

Position Overview

The Australian National University (ANU) Research School of Earth Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in Climate Change Modeling. This role is part of our ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes and offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge climate research with global impact.

Research Focus

Primary Research Areas

• Global Climate Modeling: Develop and improve Earth system models
• Extreme Weather Events: Study patterns and projections of climate extremes
• Regional Downscaling: High-resolution climate projections for Australia
• Climate-Carbon Feedbacks: Land-atmosphere interactions
• Paleoclimate Reconstruction: Understanding past climate variability

Computational Approaches

• Machine learning applications in climate science
• High-performance computing and model optimization
• Statistical analysis of large climate datasets
• Uncertainty quantification methods
• Data visualization and communication

Key Responsibilities

Research Activities

• Develop and validate climate models using Australian supercomputing facilities
• Analyze observational data from weather stations, satellites, and paleoclimate records
• Collaborate with international research teams and IPCC working groups
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals
• Present results at major international conferences

Collaboration and Outreach

• Work with government agencies (Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO)
• Engage with industry partners and stakeholders
• Mentor PhD students and research assistants
• Participate in public communication of climate science
• Contribute to policy-relevant research briefings

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• PhD in Climate Science, Atmospheric Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related field
• Strong background in numerical modeling and computational methods
• Experience with climate models (CESM, ACCESS, or similar)
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, R, Fortran, or C++)
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals

Desirable Skills

• Experience with machine learning techniques
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and time series methods
• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments
• Understanding of Australian climate systems
• Experience with IPCC assessment processes

What We Offer

Compensation Package

• Salary: AU$85,000 - AU$95,000 per annum (based on experience)
• Superannuation: 17% employer contribution
• Leave: 4 weeks annual leave plus public holidays
• Professional Development: AU$5,000 annual conference/training budget
• Relocation: Up to AU$10,000 for interstate/international moves

Research Environment

• Access to Australia's national supercomputing facilities
• State-of-the-art climate modeling infrastructure
• Collaborative research environment with 50+ climate scientists
• Access to unique Southern Hemisphere datasets
• Strong links with operational weather and climate services

Career Development

• Mentorship from world-leading climate scientists
• Opportunity to lead independent research projects
• Training in grant writing and proposal development
• Public engagement and science communication training
• Pathways to permanent academic positions

Research Facilities

Computing Resources

• Gadi Supercomputer: Australia's most powerful research supercomputer
• Local HPC Cluster: Dedicated climate modeling hardware
• Data Storage: Petabyte-scale climate data archives
• Software: Licensed climate modeling software and analysis tools

Observational Data Access

• Australian Weather and Climate Observations
• Global reanalysis datasets (ERA5, JRA-55)
• Satellite climate data records
• Paleoclimate proxy databases
• Regional climate monitoring networks

Application Requirements

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter (2 pages)

   • Research experience and achievements
   • Motivation for climate science research
   • Specific interest in ANU position

2. Curriculum Vitae (no page limit)

   • Education and employment history
   • Complete publication list with impact metrics
   • Conference presentations and invited talks
   • Grants, awards, and professional recognition

3. Research Statement (4 pages)

   • Past research accomplishments
   • Proposed research directions
   • Alignment with ANU research priorities
   • Long-term career goals

4. References (3 required)

   • Contact details for academic referees
   • References will be contacted directly
   • At least one from current/recent supervisor

Selection Process

Stage 1: Application Review

• Initial screening for essential criteria
• Assessment of research quality and potential
• Evaluation of fit with research priorities

Stage 2: Interviews

• Virtual or in-person interviews with search committee
• Research presentation (20 minutes + questions)
• Discussion of research plans and career goals
• Opportunity to meet potential collaborators

Timeline

• Applications Open: January 2025
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2025, 11:59 PM AEDT
• Shortlisting: April 2025
• Interviews: May 2025
• Position Offered: June 2025
• Start Date: Flexible (July-October 2025)

About ANU and Canberra

University Excellence

• Ranked #1 in Australia and #27 globally (QS World Rankings 2024)
• Home to Australia's only Nobel Prize winners
• Strong government and industry connections
• Diverse international research community

Living in Canberra

• Australia's capital city with 400,000+ residents
• Excellent work-life balance and family-friendly environment
• Access to national institutions and cultural attractions
• Proximity to snow fields, beaches, and natural parks
• Strong public transport and cycling infrastructure

Contact Information

Position Enquiries: Prof. Sarah Williams, Research School of Earth Sciences Email: sarah.williams@anu.edu.au Phone: +61 2 6125 4321

Application Support: HR Services, ANU Email: hr.jobs@anu.edu.au Phone: +61 2 6125 3346

Research School Information: Research School of Earth Sciences Building 142, Mills Road The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Web: https://earthsciences.anu.edu.au/ Climate Research: https://climateextremes.org.au/

Equal Opportunity

ANU is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. We particularly encourage applications from women, Indigenous Australians, people with disabilities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. The university provides flexible working arrangements and comprehensive support services for staff and their families.