The Division of Marine Science of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) invites applicants for a M.S. or Ph.D. study in internal gravity waves (Physical Oceanography) starting in spring/summer 2024. Internal waves are generated by tides and wind and propagate through the world’s oceans. Their turbulent dissipation contributes to water mass mixing, which is relevant for the overturning circulation, global climate, and the dispersal of sediments, nutrients, and chemicals. We seek a skilled and motivated individual to work on the National Science Foundation funded project “Collaborative Research: Probing internal gravity wave dynamics and dissipation using global observations and numerical simulations” (OCE 2319143). The student’s work involves 1) the validation of internal waves in a 1/48th degree MIT global circulation model (MITgcm) simulation with observations such as altimetry and 2) the diagnosis of internal wave processes (e.g., dissipation, mixing, and wave-wave and wave-eddy interactions). The study provides opportunities to collaborate with project scientists of the University of Michigan, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Funding is available for travel to collaborators and conferences. Strong skills in physics, math, and coding in MATLAB, Python, and/or Fortran are crucial. The project requires working in a Linux environment on the JPL supercomputers. Candidates must possess a B.S. and/or M.S. degree. The TOEFL (or equivalent) is required for non-native English speakers. DMS graduate assistants are supported with an annual resource package of at least $40,000, including a tuition waiver and a stipend starting at $25,200 per academic year with benefits.
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Maarten Buijsman at maarten.buijsman@usm.edu and attach a resume or curriculum vitae, GRE score (not mandatory; if available), college transcripts (unofficial acceptable), and a brief statement of research interests.
USM is a Carnegie Research University and has been designated as Mississippi’s flagship university for marine science. The Division of Marine Science is part of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) and is located at the John C. Stennis Space Center on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Stennis is a “federal city” that boasts the world’s largest concentration of oceanographers and hydrographers, housing offices for scientists associated with NASA, the U.S. Navy, NOAA, and USGS. Division faculty expertise is multidisciplinary and includes biologists, chemists, geologists, physicists, hydrographers, and engineers. Learn more at https://www.usm.edu/ocean-science-engineering/.