Postdoc opportunity: Modeling the interactions between Arctic sea ice and the oceans

Our colleague Pedro Duarte is looking for a postdoctoral fellow interested in joining his team to develop coupled physical-biochemical models of the interactions between oceanic and sea ice processes. The successful candidate will write an MSCA funding proposal to join iC3’s “Future climate and oceans” research unit. (See all 12 open postdoc opportunities with iC3 here.)

In this interview, Pedro explains how models can help to accurately predict ecological changes in the Arctic, shares his excitement about advancements in remote sensing technologies, and outlines what he is looking for in a postdoctoral collaborator.

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Can you briefly describe your work and why it matters?

I work at the Norwegian Polar Institute, where I focus on developing coupled physical-biochemical models to study the interactions between oceanic and sea ice processes. This modeling work is essential for understanding the Arctic environment, especially in the face of climate change.

By employing both simple 1D models for specific processes and complex 3D models for regional simulations, particularly around Svalbard, we can test hypotheses and gain substantial insights into sea ice and ocean dynamics.

It's challenging to assess the full importance of one's work, but using these models for hypothesis testing is incredibly valuable. We've achieved significant understanding by comparing model results with observational data, which is crucial for predicting changes in the Arctic ecosystem.

This predictive capability is vital for environmental management and policy-making. A notable achievement was enhancing the Los Alamos Sea Ice Model (CICE), which improved operational forecasting models used by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, thereby benefiting Arctic navigation.

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What specific area do you focus on in your research?

My research primarily targets the European Arctic, with a significant focus on Svalbard.

Image: Pedro Duarte doing fieldwork in the Arctic

This includes studying the deep ocean regions like the Nansen Basin and various local fjords.

Our work spans from local to regional scales. We aim to understand the complex interactions between physical and biochemical processes in these areas, which are critical for accurately predicting ecological changes in the Arctic.

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What qualities do you look for in a postdoc?

One of the qualities I highly value is reliability. It's crucial to have people who are committed and dependable, as this ensures that you can count on them to deliver their best work.

Intelligence is important, but it's difficult to measure, and people can excel in different areas. I also appreciate enthusiasm, especially in young researchers. When someone is enthusiastic and reliable, they tend to be persistent and determined, which are essential traits for overcoming challenges and achieving goals in research.

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What challenges have you faced in your research, and how did you overcome them?

I've encountered numerous technical challenges, particularly with model implementation, which can be frustrating. My approach is to remain persistent and determined.

One memorable challenge involved a rigorous discussion with a reviewer during the publication process. This exchange was intense but ultimately productive, leading to the acceptance of my arguments and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

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What technologies or methodologies are you most excited about in your field?

I'm particularly excited about advancements in remote sensing technologies, such as autonomous underwater vehicles and gliders. These tools can provide valuable data on under-ice processes, which are not well understood but could significantly impact the Arctic carbon cycle.

In modeling, I'm intrigued by the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance model intelligence and flexibility, allowing us to better mimic the self-organization and adaptability of ecosystems.

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How do you balance your professional and personal life?

I commute between Norway and Portugal, where my family resides. My family is the most important part of my life. When I'm in Norway, I have more time for sports like skiing and diving, and I enjoy reading. This balance allows me to maintain a fulfilling personal life while pursuing my professional goals. Spending the day with my grandchildren is the best.  

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Can you share a book or movie that has significantly influenced you?

Books by Portuguese author Ferreira de Castro, such as "Emigrants" and "The Jungle," have deeply influenced me. They resonate with my experiences and offer profound insights into human struggles. These works, along with those of authors like John Steinbeck, have shaped my understanding of the world and human nature.

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What are you looking forward to in the next year, both personally and professionally?

Professionally, I aim to publish several matured research projects, particularly a paper on the coupled model for the Svalbard region. Personally, I look forward to spending time with my family and welcoming a new grandson in April.

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Do you have any final thoughts or a personal motto you'd like to share?

I hope for constructive collaboration within research groups. Effective communication and leveraging each other's expertise can lead to groundbreaking discoveries in polar science. It's essential to foster an environment where we can share knowledge and support each other's work for the greater good of scientific advancement.

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If you are interested in applying for an MSCA postdoctoral fellowship with Pedro, please read this first and then send him an email briefly outlining your proposed research project and enclose your CV.

The iC3 team will support the selected candidate throughout the process of writing a strong MSCA fellowship proposal. More information on MSCA opportunities with the iC3 Polar Research Hub and our support programme here.