Opportunities
See employment opportunities for prospective PhD students, postdocs, and undergraduate research assistants below.
Fully-funded 5-year PhDs: We are recruiting a PhD student this upcoming application cycle (start date of September 2024) through the Earth System Science PhD program at UC Irvine, which you can learn more about from our information session. If you are interested in joining the group, I encourage you to reach out via email (hfdrake at uci.edu) with a CV and a brief description of your research interests/experience. Students wishing to work with Henri are encouraged to name him as a potential advisor (and any other relevant faculty) in their Personal Statement to increase the likelihood that their application package is brought to our attention. See UCI’s general requirements and ESS’ answers to Frequently Asked Questions for more information about the PhD application and admissions process. Application fee waivers may be available based on financial need or participation in a specific diversity program.
Given the theoretical and computational nature of our research, the ideal student would have a strong foundation in mathematics (e.g. multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations) and excelled in advanced coursework in a relevant quantitative major (e.g. physics, applied math, mechanical engineering, physical oceanography, atmospheric dynamics). Prior research experience and/or coursework in scientific computing, partial differential equations, fluid mechanics, or climate dynamics are a plus, but not strictly required. Passionate students who do not fit this description are still encouraged to apply; however, they must make a clear and convincing case for how they would benefit from joining the group—and what new strengths or perspectives they would bring to it.
Postdoc fellowships: Prospective postdocs are encouraged to apply to the independent research fellowships listed below, which fund the applicant to pursue an independent research program they develop themselves. Applicants interested in listing Henri as a faculty host/advisor are encouraged to reach out to him beforehand to ensure the project fits within the scope of the group and that we can provide the expertise and resources required for the project to be successful.
- NOAA’s Climate and Global Change Postdoctoral Fellowship (Henri is an alumnus),
- The University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (for cultivating future UC faculty)
- NSF’s Ocean Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (and possibly other NSF postdoc solicitations)
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programs (UROPs): Our group is not anticipated to have external funding for undergraduate research opportunities until at least Summer 2025. However, UCI students are encouraged to apply for a Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) fellowship and non-UCI students are encouraged to apply for a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship at UCI.
Earth System Science (ESS) majors interested in pursuing Ocean and Climate Dynamics research or attending graduate school in a related discipline are strongly encouraged to take quantitative courses beyond the minimum requirements of the major. In particular, we recommend:
i) completing a specialization in either Oceanography or Atmospheric Science (including Prof. Drake’s Physical Oceanography ESS 130);
ii) enrolling in Multivariable Calculus (Math 2D and 2E), Linear Algebra (3A), and Elementary Differential Equations (3D) and minoring or double-majoring in Math; and
iii) considering graduate-level ESS courses, such as Prof. Drake’s Physical Oceanography (ESS 230).