PhD in aerosol-cloud interactions and cloud microphysics

Within this position, you will be modeling clouds, cloud microphysics, and aerosol-cloud interactions to understand the influence of warm and moist air intrusions on Arctic clouds and thus Arctic climate. The aim of the project is to improve the fundamental understanding of clouds and their representation in models. The position will be placed at the Department of Space, Earth and Environment (SEE), in the division of Geoscience and Remote Sensing (GEO).

Information about the division and the department
The Division of Geoscience and Remote Sensing (SEE-GEO) conducts research, education, and utilization within a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines, using ground-based and satellite measurements, and numerical modeling. The division‘s goal is to improve understanding of the Earth system and global current and future environmental problems, as well as to provide and interpret global datasets relevant to these topics. Research at the division covers a broad range of topics including modeling of clouds and aerosol-cloud interactions with different types of models and satellite retrievals of cloud, rain, and precipitation. We are seeking an enthusiastic scholar to join a dynamic research group within the division.

Information about the position
The position will focus on modeling with an main emphasis on clouds, cloud microphysics and aerosol-cloud interactions. The project will make use of the large-eddy simulation (LES) model MIMICA, high-resolution model, satellite data, and data from previous field campaigns.
The project will focus on the Arctic, which is one of the most sensitive regions with respect to climate change, showing very rapid warming related to complex feedback processes. Clouds play a key role in modulating the energy budget and thus the melting and freezing of sea ice.

Understanding these feedback processes is critical for understanding Arctic climate change. Within this project you are going to investigate the structure, properties, and lifetime of clouds in the Arctic and how these are influenced by different processes. One process you will in particular study are warm and moist air intrusions (warm air transported into the Arctic from lower latitudes). To do so you are going to use a combination of observational field data from a recent campaign to the Arctic (ARTofMELT 2023), a sophisticated three-dimensional small-scale large-eddy simulation model (MIMICA), and a mesoscale model (Polar WRF). This project is unique in that sense that it couples observational work with a modeling project.

Major responsibilities
You will study cloud microphysical processes by developing theoretical models, testing parameterization schemes, and analyzing computer simulations. Your major responsibility as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. This includes developing your own scientific concepts and communicating research results both verbally and in writing.

In addition, a PhD student position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level and/or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours. The position is fully funded.


Qualifications
You shall have a background in meteorology, climate sciences, physics, or a related subject area. You should be interested in cloud microphysics and modeling. Previous knowledge of programming and data handling is advantageous. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English.
Your master's degree should generally not be older than five years.

To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20230739 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: 2024-01-06

For questions, please contact:
Luisa Ickes, SEE GEO,
luisa.ickes@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!