Opportunities

Assistant Project Scientist II (JPF10811)  | 3/6/2026

Job Description

The UCLA Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering (JIFRESSE) invites applications for a position of Assistant Project Scientist whose research will focus on the coupled role of ocean and ice-sheet dynamics in ice-shelf rift and damage evolution. The research includes the following activities:

  • Investigate how damage and rifts on ice shelves impact the dynamics of glaciers in the Antarctic Peninsula, and the resulting sea level response.
  • Will use NASA's Ice-Sheet and Sea-Level System Model (ISSM) as the basis for numerical simulations and analysis, leveraging available satellite data (LandSat, ICESAT2, and NISAR) necessary for model initialization.   
  • Specifically, this work will focus on a regional model configuration in ISSM of the Antarctic Peninsula, which includes the Larsen C and George VI ice shelves, and will require work in improving existing ice damage/rifting formulation in ISSM. 
  • These simulations will investigate the impact of melt-water induced hydrofractures and damage at the ice shelf surface on grounding line and ice front dynamics of glaciers in the Antarctic Peninsula over the historical period up to 2100 CE.  This will require work with

NASA JPL’s Glacier Energy Mass Balance (GEMB) in ISSM, to calculate the surface mass balance forcings needed to force the ice sheet model simulations over the next century.

  • Interpreting how the Antarctic Ice Sheet is influenced by variability in the mechanical properties of its ice shelves and how this variability will influence the global warming driven ice mass loss by the end of the century.
  • Improve transient damage/rifting formulation in ISSM, which will be released freely on Github for the broad cryosphere community.

 

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application):

  • Appointee must possess a doctorate degree in the field of engineering, statistics, earth science, or related disciplines.
  • Previous training or experience in ice sheet modeling is required, with experience using ISSM preferred. 
  • Previous training and experience in scientific computing software platforms (e.g., MATLAB, Python) and experience in C++.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Extensive knowledge in ice fracture/damage mechanics, ice sheet modeling, coupled ocean-ice modeling, use of satellite derived data, climate model outputs and general expertise in the fields of cryosphere science and oceanography.

 

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter (optional)

• Statement of Research

• UCLA Mission Statement

 

Salary: $80,800

Jobsites: Los Angeles, CA and Pasadena, CA

Recruitment period: 2/10 – 3/12/2026

Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10811

Help contact: tle@jifresse.ucla.edu

 

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy, please visit https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

Job location

Los Angeles, CA and Pasadena, CA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy (http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimA?rmAct)

Please be advised that the final candidate recommended for hire into a critical (or otherwise designated) position will be required to successfully complete a background investigation. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.  
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