Ocean Sciences Modeling Assistant Project Scientist

Professor Christopher Edwards in the Department of Ocean Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz invites applications for the position of Assistant Project Scientist in Ocean Modeling. The successful candidate will model physical and biogeochemical processes along the California Coast with the purpose of developing and maintaining state-of-the-science data-assimilative state estimates and non-data-assimilative, downscaled representations for research and public distribution. Specific research tasks include model grid generation and developing process pipelines for daily operations that include data download, quality control, data processing, observation error analysis, forcing file processing, running nonlinear and data-assimilative code, posterior model error analysis, model visualization, archiving, and distribution. The successful candidate will be expected to work as a team member and summarize scientific findings for peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations.

The Assistant Project Scientist will work under the direct supervision of Professor Christopher Edwards and is expected to work closely with collaborators at UC Santa Cruz, more broadly within the UC system, the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System, and at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. Required skills include demonstrated experience implementing ocean physical and biogeochemical models, particularly with proficiency using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and its 4-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation and nesting capabilities. Demonstrated experience working in a Linux system, high performance computing environments, the Fortran programming language, and the Matlab scientific programming environment are necessary. The ideal candidate would also have familiarity with the California Current System.

• Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences or a closely related field (marine sciences, ocean sciences, etc.).
• A minimum of four years of full-time experience in ocean modeling that was gained after the award of the degree.
• Experience in model grid generation and developing process pipelines for daily operations.
• Demonstrated experience implementing ocean physical and biogeochemical models.
• Demonstrated experience using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and its 4-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation and nesting capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience working in a Linux system, high performance computing environments, the Fortran programming language, and the Matlab scientific programming environment.

Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled, Represented Project_(E.G., Scientist) Series Fiscal Year . A salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. A reasonable estimate for this position is $83,700-$92,200 annual salary range. Percent time: Full-time 100% Anticipated start: As soon as December 1, 2026. But no later than January 5, 2027. Position duration: Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding., Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

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