Post-doctoral position → Storm surges and Boussinesq modeling

We are offering a 2-year post-doctoral grant to explore the wave processes contributing to storm surges and extreme water levels. The work aims at understanding the links between storm surges, wave runup, extreme water levels and the observed morphological changes.

LETG-Brest-Géomer UMR 6554 CNRS (Plouzané, France) is a component of the Labex MER, with activities focused on coastal hazards and geomorphology. As part of a long collaboration with the Hydrographic Service (SHOM) and Ifremer, we have been recording continuously water levels and morphological changes along the coasts of Brittany, France (e.g., Fichaut et al. 2010, Suanez et al., 2012). The recent extreme events (1 in 20 years) of more of this winter (it is not over yet!) have been recorded around the islands of Sein and Molène, together with morphological changes and many video documents.

We are inviting applications for a 2-year post-doctoral position to explore the wave processes contributing to storm surges and extreme water levels. The work aims at understanding the links between storm surges, wave runup, extreme water levels and the observed morphological changes.

The candidate is expected to run the BOSZ model (Boussinesq model for Ocean and Surf Zone, e.g., Roeber et al., 2012, Roeber & Cheung, 2013) or a similar code, for application on different beaches of the Iroise Sea (Brittany, France). A recent lidar bathymetry dataset (Litto3D) will be available to build high resolution simulations (5 to 10 meters horizontal resolution) on the beaches of interest. Particular attention will be put on intermediate time scales processes (e.g. infragravity waves) that can strongly contribute to extreme water levels (Sheremet et al. GRL, in press).

Data acquired during the PROTEVS program 2012-2014 or previous experiments organized by SHOM, Ifremer and LETG-Brest-Géomer, will be available, including up to 6 directional datawell waveriders, 15 shore-based pressure sensors and several ADCPs. Participation in and design of the observation network for next winter (2014-2015) can also be part of the work program, together with data processing and analysis. These later tasks will otherwise be performed by project partners.

Requirements

Applicants must have a PhD in Physical Oceanography, Applied Mathematics or a related field. Proficiency in numerical modeling is required and an experience with Boussinesq models would be decisive.

Type of contract

2 years (12 + 12 months) full time position. Successful candidate is expected to start as soon as possible.

Gross monthly salary : 2500 euros (2000 euros net)

Application procedure

Application shall include a CV with publication list, proof of doctoral degree and contact information for two reference persons, and will be sent to :

Prof. Serge Suanez : geomorphologist at LETG-Brest-Géomer and responsible for the hire

Dr. Fabien Leckler  : oceanographer at SHOM

Dr. Fabrice Ardhuin : oceanographer at Ifremer

Application deadline : September 15, 2014