The Department of Hydraulic & Environmental Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join our interdisciplinary team in studying the complex interactions between glacial river plumes and internal waves in the fjords of Patagonia.
The project “Stratified Coastal Dynamics of Internal Waves and Glacial River Plume Interactions”, funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research Global (ONR-Global Research Grant N62909-23-1-2004), aims to evaluate the daily and seasonal variabilities of freshwater inputs and sediments in the ocean, and their effects on the internal dynamics of the fjords and coastal environments of Northern Patagonia. The research will involve field observations and the development of predictive models to assess the response of these systems under different environmental scenarios and anthropic forcings.
The ideal candidate should have a PhD in Environmental Fluid Mechanics, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Engineering or related fields at the time of appointment. Preferred qualifications include experience leading coastal physical observations in estuarine or fjord environments, strong quantitative skills, and a record of high-quality publications relevant to the work. Communication skills in Spanish (if not the native language) are highly desired.
The candidate will lead the fieldwork in Patagonia, perform data analysis, and work as part of a team comprising engineers and coastal scientists, and specialists in hydrology, fluid mechanics, sediment transport and morphodynamics.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with a dynamic research group and collaborate with professors and researchers from Stanford University and Stony Brook University in the United States. The position is available immediately and open until filled, with initial funding for one year and the potential to extend for up to 2 additional years. The position is based in Santiago, Chile.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV with a complete list of peer-reviewed publications, and contact information for three references. Please highlight your qualifications and skills that are essential for the success of the project, and explain why you are interested in this position. We look forward to receiving your application.
Applications and questions may be sent to: Cristian Escauriaza (email: cescauri@ing.puc.cl) or Megan Williams (email: mwilliams@bio.puc.cl).
