Postdoctoral Scholar in Coastal Ocean Modeling and Applications University of South Florida
RESEARCH FELLOW
University of Michigan
in Ann Arbor, MI
Type: Full-Time
Salary: $62,232 - $64,099 per year
Posted: Today
Application Due: 06/30/2026
Category: Mechanical Engineering
JOB OPENING ID: 267955
Postdoctoral Scholar in Coastal Ocean Modeling and Applications
University of South Florida
in Saint Petersburg, FL
Type: Full-Time
Salary: Negotiable, Commensurate with experience
Posted: Today
Application Due: 06/13/2026
Category: Geology, Earth Sciences, and Oceanography
Job Identification: 43440
Job Category: Research
Apply Before: 06/13/2026, 01:37 PM
Degree Level: Doctorate Degree
Locations: 140 7th Ave S, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33701, US
Hiring Salary: Negotiable, Commensurate with experience
Essential Personnel: No
Job Description
We seek a motivated postdoctoral scholar in coastal ocean modeling to join the Ocean Circulation Lab at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science. Successful candidates will engage in a program of coordinated observing and modeling toward better understanding the ocean circulation on the West Florida Shelf (WFS) and its applications in marine environmental issues of societal importance. Presently maintained automated coastal ocean modeling nowcast/forecast systems are based on the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM). We are interested in further improvements to these systems and their applications in storm surge forecast and ecosystem simulation (e.g., red tide, water quality).
Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three referees. Applications will be reviewed as received. Appointment is available immediately. Initial appointment is for one year, with extensions desirable based on performance and funding availability.
For information regarding this available position, please contact Dr. Yonggang Liu, yliu@usf.edu.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities/job duties:
Improve the existing coastal ocean model systems for applications
Evaluate the model performance using observations
Advance the understanding of the coastal ocean processes
Contribute to project reporting
Present research results in academic conferences and project meetings
Take a lead in publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed publications
Qualifications
Minimum: Doctoral degree from an accredited institution and appropriate experience and training within Physical Oceanography or related field. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Postdoctoral Fellow. Expected to have a firm grounding in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics and satisfactory written and oral communication skills.
Preferred: Numerical ocean modeling experience is preferred. We seek candidates who have demonstrated excellence in scholarly creativity and productivity in coastal oceanography research.
About Us
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
MODES OF WORK
Onsite
REGULAR/TEMPORARY: Regular
ORGANIZATIONAL GROUP: College Engineering
DEPARTMENT: CoE Naval Arch & Marine Dept
SALARY: $62,232.00 - $64,099.00
How to Apply
Please submit the following required documentation as a single pdf file:
Cover letter with a brief research statement that outlines your previous and current research as well as skills that directly relate to this position.
Letters of recommendation from two professional references will also be required.
Curriculum Vitae
Who We Are
The Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was started in 1879 with an act of Congress authorizing a Navy officer to teach "steam engineering and iron shipbuilding." Since this modest beginning, NAME has grown into a worldwide leader in education and research, with 25 faculty and 11 staff, serving our undergraduate and graduate students along with a network of some 3,000 living alumni. Our department continues to develop engineers and technology to advance the state-of-the-art systems operating in the marine environment. The department's students and faculty engage in a wide range of research, with specialists working in hydrodynamics; marine and offshore structures; dynamics, control and marine system integration; robotics and autonomy; yacht design; design, production, and management; marine renewable energy; and structural and hydro-acoustics. The Department has access to outstanding computational resources as well as the experimental facilities of the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory with its large physical modeling basin which serves as a vital resource.
Mission Statement
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students, and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Job Summary
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has established the Center for Naval Research & Education (CNRE) at the University of Michigan (CNRE in the News). Directed by Professor Krishnan Mahesh, the CNRE will address fundamental science and technology challenges of the future within the context of naval applications while training diverse and capable future generations. The core of the CNRE is a group of highly talented, energetic, multi-disciplinary postdoctoral researchers, senior graduate students, and undergraduate research trainees who create the vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment of excellence that will define the CNRE. CNRE research is both computational and experimental; we work on exciting problems in diverse areas such as bio-fluid interactions, signatures, wave energy, advanced materials, complex hydrodynamics and hydroacoustics, data assimilation and multi-disciplinary optimization, and autonomy. We seek talented, motivated postdoctoral applicants from all areas of engineering, math, physics, computer science and other relevant areas.
The duties and expectations of this position include performing research, participating in the preparation of technical reports and papers related to research and collaborating with other members of the center engaged in related research. Postdoctoral fellows may also participate in instructional activities, and in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students engaged in research activities.
Required Qualifications*
A doctoral degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Scientific Computation, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or related areas is required. The successful candidate will have a strong record of computational/theoretical/research and excellent communication skills.
Additional Information
This position is for multiple hires.
The appointments will be for one year and possible renewal up to five years.
The primary work location for this role will be onsite at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory/affirmative action employer.