Research Associate

A research associate appointment is available for a scientist
interested in developing practical wavelet-based statistical
methodology for addressing some commonly occuring problems in
characterization of space-time variability in geophysical applications.

The duties will include examination of three types of problem. The
first problem is to characterize scale-specific variances/covariances
of `gappy' time series (e.g. data from oceanic buoys which do not
always report at the scheduled times, or polar-orbiter satellites
which take data in swaths that do not cover the entire globe).
Special wavelets will need to be constructed for computing
statistically tractable wavelet coefficients.  The second problem is
to analyze nonstationary turbulence measurements such as collected by
an aircraft profiling through the atmospheric boundary layer.
Statistical methodology must be developed to combine wavelet
coefficients with aircraft heights to determine scale/height
variations of winds. The third problem is to assess and provide
confidence bounds on spatial/temporal variations in a field highly
variable in space and time, e.g., rainfall measurements over some
region deduced by successive scans of a meteorological radar.
Wavelets will be used to extract spatial gradients and to assess
variations in area-mean precipitation. The variability in the
estimated quantities will be assessed using wavelet-based
bootstrapping.

The project is a collaborative effort involving investigators at the
Applied Physics Laboratory, the Department of Statistics and the
Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington. The
post-doctoral research associate will work closely with other
investigators in the project in helping to develop the statistical
methodology and will be primarily responsible for analyzing the
data for the three problems.  Expertise in atmospheric science,
wavelets and data analysis will be useful.

The position is for an initial period of one year, renewable on an
annual basis for up to three years, and is a full-time, temporary
appointment.

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a Ph.D. by
the start of the appointment. Applications, including curriculum
vitae, a statement of research interests, and the names of at least
four references should be sent to:

Priority will be given to applications received before 1 Jan 2003.

The University of Washington is building a culturally diverse
faculty and strongly encourages applications from women and minority
candidates.  AA/EOE.