Moore Postdoctoral Fellowship

Position description

The Environmental Fluid Dynamics Lab in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UCSD invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation focused on the topic of machine learning-based ocean state estimation to begin in Spring/Summer 2026. The successful applicant will develop and implement data-driven tools, underpinned by scientific machine learning and reduced-order modeling, for ocean state estimation with quantified uncertainties. The central aim is to increase the efficiency and accuracy of near-field prediction of physical and biological conditions for marine operations including marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) and aquaculture. The ideal candidate will have experience in two or three of the focal areas: data driven modeling, scientific machine learning or coastal ocean physics; and will have an interest in applying these towards ocean applications. The position will also include collaborative work with investigators at partner institutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and apply reduced-order modeling approaches using spatiotemporal decompositions of large high-resolution simulation datasets.
• Develop and train machine learning architectures using reduced-order predictions together with heterogeneous observational data.
• Integrate data driven methods into a framework for uncertainty-aware ocean state estimation.
• Apply and validate the framework using datasets at experimental sites.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences;
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Lab.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in engineering, oceanography or a related field, with relevant background in data-driven modeling, machine learning and/or fluid mechanics;
• Experience in numerical fluid dynamics or ocean model application, validation and analysis;
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals related to the minimum qualifications;
• Ability to pursue research independently.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Summary of Doctoral Dissertation - One page summary (abstract) of your doctoral dissertation.
• 3-5 required (contact information only)

About UC San Diego

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.