Postdoc with a focus on extreme sea levels and statistical methods

Would you like to develop the oceanographic knowledge of the future? Now the oceanographic unit at SMHI’s research department is strengthening the work on ocean and climate related questions in order to meet the needs of society. We offer a stimulating environment with external contacts and flexible working methods.

The oceanographic unit at SMHI’s research department conducts research and development on the marine environment, marine climate, and operational oceanography. We work with development of models and analyses of model results and observations in the open sea and the coastal zone with main focus on the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the Arctic. Today 18 researchers are employed at the unit, and the research department has about 130 employees. The research is mainly based on external funding, and the oceanography unit has succeeded in attracting funding at national and European levels.

The postdoctoral position will be located at the oceanographic research unit and linked to SMHI's expert group for rising sea levels. The group gathers expertise from many of SMHI's departments and thus has a broad focus on sea level-related issues. The expert group also works with outreach and collaboration with other authorities and actors. The research carried out by the postdoc should eventually be able to be implemented in the expert group's climate service for extreme values ​​of sea levels. A first goal is, of course, publication in scientific journals.

Job tasks

You will work with research focusing on extreme sea levels and multiple extremes such as for example co-variation between high sea levels, high flows in rivers and large amounts of precipitation. The focus of the work is on implementing advanced statistical methods and using these on observational and model data. Two main tasks are to investigate multiple extremes on the Swedish west coast and to implement Bayesian methods for extreme value analysis of Swedish station-based water level measurements. With these methods, we hope to both reduce the uncertainty in the extreme value statistics, as well as to be able to interpolate between stations to be able to estimate extreme value statistics in places where measurements are missing or measurement series are too short.

A good working environment with a balance between work and free time is important for us in order to contribute to the life quality of our employees. We strive for a workplace that is characterized by diversity and where different strengths and experiences can complement each other.

Your profile

You have a PhD in oceanography, mathematics, physics or similar, and you have very good statistics and programming skills.

Requirement:


• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written

Meritorious:


• Familiar with Python, Unix environments and Netcdf.
• Since the work involves contacts with other actors and authorities in Sweden, fluency in Swedish, both in spoken and written, is a very strong merit

As a person, you have high motivation and interest in work with research and numerical problem solving. You have a great interest in natural science issues in general, as well as ocean and climate issues in particular. You are goal-oriented, committed and enjoy working both independently and together with others. You are well organized with the ability to structure work yourself with clear goals and sub-goals and to meet deadlines.

You must already have a work permit to work in Sweden (EU).

Form of employment:

Fixed-term employment for 2 years according to the Agreement on fixed-term postdoc employment, with the possibility of extension with at total period of employment of no more than three years.

Location: Norrköping or Gothenburg

Application deadline: March 5, 2023

SMHI is an expert authority with a global outlook and a vital mission to forecast changes in weather, water and climate. With a scientific foundation, we use knowledge, research and services to contribute to a more sustainable society. Every hour of every day, all year round.

Bear in mind that all the documentation and information you send to SMHI in conjunction with your application will be classified as public documents. This means that all the material contained in your application, including attachments, may be disclosed if so requested by a party, on the condition that the information is not subject to confidentiality in accordance with the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act. You should therefore primarily provide such information that you deem to be relevant in relation to the requirements of the position. Think about your own personal privacy, and avoid sharing information that contains sensitive personal data, or information about your health or that of a family member, your political views or religious beliefs.