Job Description

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Hiring Unit:
Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Postdoctoral Researcher - Spaceborne Doppler radar science and applications
Spaceborne Doppler radar observations play a critical role in atmospheric and Earth system science by offering a unique global perspective on clouds, precipitation, and the dynamics of the atmosphere.
The launch of the joint ESA/JAXA Earth Cloud, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) satellite mission in May 2024, along with the recent selection of WIVERN (WInd VElocity Radar Nephoscope) as the European Space Agency (ESA) Earth Explorer 11 (EE11) mission, ensures the availability of spaceborne 94-GHz Doppler velocity measurements with distinct viewing geometries for at least the next 15 years. Other relevant missions targeting convective dynamics include NASA's Investigation of Convective Updrafts (INCUS) and JAXA's Precipitation Measurement Mission (PMM).
Despite being deployed hundreds of kilometers above Earth's surface, these existing and upcoming missions will offer unprecedented measurement capabilities, in many cases surpassing what is currently achievable from suborbital platforms. Importantly, each mission employs different measurement techniques, applied at varying resolutions and detection limits, providing complementary insights into the diverse scales and processes of atmospheric convection.
Position Description:
We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to:

• Analyze the EarthCARE Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) Doppler velocity observations.
• Lead the development of data products for convective systems for the upcoming WIVERN mission, employing a combination of forward and inverse modeling methods, machine learning, and artificial intelligence techniques.

Appointment Details:

• Start date: As early as February 1, 2026.
• Annual Salary: $52,000
• Application review: Ongoing until the position is filled.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience in understanding processes that control clouds, precipitation and convection processes.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Collaborate asynchronously with an international team, present findings regularly.
• Prototype algorithms, validate outputs, and document methods clearly
• Collaborate asynchronously with an international team, present findings regularly
• Experience with remote sensing instrumentation for clouds and precipitation (e.g., cloud radar, passive or active satellite sensors)
• Experience with instrument simulators.
• Experience with machine learning techniques.
• Strong programming skills, such as a familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., Python, IDL, MATLAB, FORTRAN)
• Prototype algorithms, validate outputs, and document methods clearly

Qualified and interested applications are invited to apply. Please include with your application the following:

• A cover letter summarizing interest in the position as well as previous relevant experience and expertise.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae
• The contact information of three professional references

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.
Annual Salary: (AMURE Post-Doctoral Fellow Researcher) $48,000.00
Hours per Week: 35 (Full time)
Location: Burnside Hall
Supervisor: Adjunct Professor
Position Start Date: 2026-02-01
Position End Date: 2027-01-31
Deadline to Apply: 2025-11-08
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, .

Skills Required