Postdoctoral Scholar in Coastal Ocean Modeling and Applications

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/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

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.

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.