Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Ocean CDR Atlas

[C]Worthy is a non-profit research organization transforming research-grade oceanographic models into open, reproducible, and auditable decision-support tools for ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Ocean CDR technologies, leveraging the ocean’s vast natural capacity to absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide, have the potential to make significant contributions to climate change mitigation alongside deep emissions reductions, as the world works to meet global climate targets. However, because the ocean is a dynamic, open system, measuring how much carbon a given CDR intervention actually removes presents a major scientific challenge. This is why robust Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) is essential: transparent, science-backed MRV builds the trust needed for governments, communities, and carbon markets to research and scale safe, effective ocean-based solutions to climate change.

At [C]Worthy, we are building C-Star, an open-source modeling platform that systematizes regional biogeochemical ocean modeling through automated, reproducible workflows, functioning as a one-stop-shop to create input and forcing data, model configurations, model execution, postpost-processing, and analysis. We use this software for a range of applications within CDR research and MRV applications, and work with external partners to establish a broad user-base of our software within both academia and industry.
 
By establishing shared, open-source infrastructure, validated model domains, and reusable workflows, we dramatically lower the barrier to entry for new ocean modeling projects and ensure scientific innovations benefit the broader community. Ultimately, we aim to democratize access to advanced ocean modeling tools—empowering researchers, policymakers, and local communities to actively shape ocean governance and marine resource management.
 
[C]Worthy is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.

The postdoctoral scientist will receive training in how to configure and validate a mesoscale-resolving domain spanning the Pacific ocean using reproducible [C]Worthy software tools and workflows, and will subsequently design and analyze production grade Atlas simulations. These simulations will enable the postdoctoral scientist to conduct research identifying which release locations and intervention technologies have the potential to achieve the highest carbon uptake efficiency, and to what extent release depth, seasonality and inter-annual variability matters for short term and long term ocean carbon uptake. The Atlas simulations will be performed with the ROMS regional ocean model within C-Star. 

The next step is to work with a broader team to design and implement a public data hosting strategy, including data visualization, and to release the Atlas as a public, documented dataset enabling MRV calculations. Finally, the postdoc may work with external collaborators to establish nested submesoscale domains within the broader Pacific domain to research mixed-layer exchange dynamics associated at 1–10 km scales within select CDR intervention locations. 

The postdoctoral scientist is expected to produce one or more peer-reviewed manuscripts describing the Atlas methodology and main results, as well as actively engage the data user community—such as CDR deployment operators, MRV practitioners, and academic collaborators—through direct outreach, workshops and conferences.

The position is based in Boulder, Colorado (preferred), although hybrid and remote applications will be considered.

Ph.D. in oceanography or a closely related field

Experience configuring, running, and evaluating ocean model simulations (ROMS, Oceananigans, MITgcm, CESM, or similar)

Background in ocean biogeochemistry, including carbonate chemistry

Proficiency in gridded dataset analysis using python-packages such as xarray, dask, and numpy

Ability to work with large geospatial datasets, and familiarity with file formats such as netcdf and zarr

Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments

Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to collaborate in a small, fast-moving research team

This position is full-time, fixed-term (1 year, with possibility of renewal). We expect this role to start as soon as possible.