PhD student position in Arctic cloud modelling

The aim of the project is to improve the fundamental understanding of Arctic clouds and their representation in models. The position will be placed at the Department of Space, Earth and Environment (SEE), in the division of Microwave and optical remote sensing (MOF).

Information about the project
The Arctic is one of the most sensitive regions with respect to climate change, showing very rapid warming related to complex feedback processes. Clouds might play a key role modulating the energy budget and thus the melting and freezing of sea ice. Understanding these feedback processes is critical for understanding Arctic climate change. This project focuses on the properties and lifetime of clouds in the Arctic and how these are determined by microphysical processes and aerosol particles.

To better understand and investigate the underlying microphysical processes, parameterization schemes of these processes and their impact on the representation of these clouds in models, a combination of observational field data and a sophisticated three-dimensional small-scale large-eddy simulation model is used. The main goals are to understand how different aerosol types influence Arctic clouds, to assess under which conditions they might be important and to quantify the most important processes to simulate Arctic clouds.

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

Major responsibilities
You will study cloud microphysical processes in Arctic clouds. To that end, you will develop theoretical models, test parameterization schemes, run and analyse 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 per cent of working hours.     

Qualifications
You shall have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in meteorology, climate sciences, physics or a related subject area. You should be interested in cloud microphysics and modelling. Previous knowledge of programming and data handling is advantageous. Your master's degree should generally not be older than five years.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of Swedish will be treated as additional strength. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200049 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

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 research fields and main research results
• 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, eg. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 21 February, 2020

For questions, please contact:
Luisa Ickes, Assistant Professor
E-mail: luisa.ickes@chalmers.se

Information about the department
The Department of Space, Earth and Environment contains five divisions, with research and education spanning from global challenges related to sustainability and energy supply to astronomy and space sciences. The department is host to two major infrastructures, Onsala Space Observatory and Chalmers Power Central, and consists of about 250 employees.

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