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A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The UNC Institute for the Environment (IE) has a multifaceted mission: (1) To strengthen environmental research capacity across UNC by supporting a multi-disciplinary community of scholars that enhances collaboration, increases sharing of knowledge, and identifies solutions to the world’s critical environmental problems. (2) To work in partnership across UNC and with external partners to coordinate and deliver 21st century educational programs that provide students with the experience and skills to thrive in a growing global economy. (3) To put new environmental knowledge into action by engaging and serving communities, here in North Carolina and around the world. (4) To fuel and harness the university’s sustainability activities through the Sustainable Carolina Initiative
Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
Postdoctoral research project training opportunities are currently available at the Institute for the Environment with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. These appointments will be in the Institute’s Center for Environmental Modeling and Policy Development (IE-CEMPD).
The selected candidates will work with Dr. Sarav Arunachalam in IE-CEMPD, to to a) apply instrumented versions of regional-scale grid model applications to assess individual source sector contributions, and b) develop quantitative estimates for air quality and health risk assessments. The candidates will work on a range of tasks including: a) Perform literature review to assess current state-of-the-art in instrumented modeling approaches and assess limitations and gaps b) Develop model applications of CMAQ instrumented with ISAM, DDM, etc. for assessing source sector contributions c) Perform innovative analyses to quantify air quality impacts by precursor, sector, region, d) Perform model evaluation by comparison with observations from routine observations or field studies, e) collaborate with other stakeholders, and f) develop peer reviewed publications and project reports.
Beyond these tasks, the chosen candidates will also have an opportunity to work with other ongoing projects within IE-CEMPD in the field of emissions, air quality and climate modeling, to be mentored by the PI to lead the development of new project ideas and develop grant proposals, and provide support to junior staff / graduate students on related tasks. Extension beyond year 1 subject to funding availability and performance reviews.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Equivalent
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Background in microscale meteorology, and numerical modeling techniques with an understanding of local-scale physical and chemical processes from multiple emissions sources as represented in current models, and quantitative analysis of models and observational data using Python, Matlab, R, etc. Expertise required in developing new models, algorithms for dispersion, gas-phase chemistry and/or aerosol microphysics model
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Desired qualifications are a) atmospheric and aerosol chemistry, b) strong communication skills – written and oral, c) ability to develop/translate model algorithms and develop new model code in Fortran, d) software skills needed to work with multiple observed and model datasets, e) a strong desire/motivation to develop scientific analyses of environmental problems for decision-making in support of national and international policies, and f) ability to work in a large multi-disciplinary team environment. At least 1 – 3 years of post-graduate experience will be considered a plus.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
