PhD in Arctic atmospheric rivers

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to advance our understanding of linkages between the Arctic and mid-latitudes with a focus on atmospheric rivers and related mechanisms. Your main task will be to combine observations, satellite retrievals, and numerical modeling to study the characteristics, mechanisms, and impacts of atmospheric rivers that reach the Arctic, and the connection to mid-latitude weather and climate. The position is fully funded for a maximum of five years.

Project description
The Arctic has warmed more than twice as fast as the global average since the preindustrial era, which has led to tremendous changes in the Arctic climate system and beyond. As an example, recent studies have found that moisture transport into the Arctic region, partly by narrow bands of water vapor transport commonly referred to as “atmospheric rivers”, may play a key role in Arctic warming and sea ice decline. The aim of this project is to investigate whether and how these atmospheric rivers have changed under the background of global warming, how they have affected the Arctic climate, and how Arctic climate change in turn influences other regions.

Information about the division and the department
You will be part of the Division of Geoscience and Remote Sensing in the Department of Space, Earth and Environment. The division conducts research to tackle global environmental problems and understand processes in the Earth system, with a special focus on remote sensing measurements and high-resolution modeling. You will join a vibrant research group with a broad expertise in Arctic climate dynamics, atmospheric dynamics, satellite measurements, clouds and aerosols, and numerical modeling. The position also includes opportunities to collaborate with other national and international institutions.

Major responsibilities
Your main responsibility is to pursue your own doctoral studies. Research duties include:
- Analyzing the climatology of Arctic atmospheric rivers in different reanalysis datasets and model outputs.
- Performing targeted model experiments to understand how different factors affect the pathway and strength of the atmospheric rivers.
- Running simulations with a high-resolution limited-area model and compare the results against simulations from coarse-resolution global models and observations.
- Examining atmospheric rivers in satellite data.
- Projecting future changes in Arctic atmospheric rivers associated with Arctic amplification and global warming.

You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. Additionally, PhD positions usually include teaching and other duties corresponding to 20% of working hours.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position, you must have a MSc corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in atmospheric science, climate science, geosciences, physics, or another closely related field.
Additional requirements:
- Sound written and verbal communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.
- Previous experience with data analysis and visualization.
- Experiences with programming.
- Skills in Linux, numerical modeling, and/or satellite retrievals are advantageous.

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 Ref 20230140 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, Ref. 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)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

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: 2023-03-31



For questions, please contact:
Hans Chen, GEO
Email: hans.chen@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!