PhD student position in fluid mechanics of turbulent clouds

Climate change is a socio-economic challenge, and climate simulations are the only tool to predict our planet's future climate. Clouds are crucial for weather and climate predictions. According to the IPCC, cloud modelling is one of the least understood domains in climate sciences and is “listed as one of the most urgent problems requiring scientific attention”. Clouds are considered the largest source of uncertainty in climate predictions because it is complicated to accurately model the small-scale process (microphysics) inside clouds occurring in a range from meters to nanometers in a global climate model where the resolution is of the order of Kilometers. This project will address this challenge by using novel multiscale techniques developed for general multiphase flows that allow us to accurately solve the small-scale cloud turbulence and its impact on nucleation, evaporation and collisions of cloud droplets.

Project description
The Department of Mechanics and Maritime Science at Chalmers University is offering a doctoral position to investigate, quantify, and model the impact of turbulence on the dynamics of water droplets/aerosols inside warm ice-free clouds. The methodology combines different numerical techniques including Direct (DNS) and Large-Eddy (LES) Simulations, together with stochastic models to predict the water droplet number and size spectra inside clouds and the mechanics of rain formation. The aim is to measure the main microphysical processes that determine, in combination with turbulence, the cloud droplet sizes: nucleation of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), growth by condensation of water vapor, growth by collisions/coalescence induced by turbulence and gravity. The project is highly interdisciplinary and involves interactions and collaborations with statistics and atmospheric physicists.

Information about the division and the department
The position will be open at the Fluid Dynamic division of Mechanical and Maritime Science department. The research at the Division covers turbulent flow (both compressible and incompressible), multiphase flows, aero-acoustics and turbomachines. Our tools include both computations and experiments. The research covers a wide range of topics. In some research projects the smallest turbulent scales are studied whereas in others the function of a complete gas turbine is analyzed and modelled. The Division of Fluid Dynamics is part of Chalmers Sustainable Transport Initiative, Chalmers eScience Initiative and Chalmers Energy Initiative.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student, you will be central to the development of the project, and also be responsible for the implementation, validation and data analysis of the numerical tools.

You are expected to learn to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. Your research activities will contribute to enhanced knowledge in the scientific field, in particular by presenting your results in scientific journals and at international conferences.

The position also includes teaching courses within Chalmers' undergraduate level corresponding to up to 20 percent of the working hours

Qualifications
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. You also need a MSc in Mechanical Eng., Naval/Maritime Eng., Chemical Eng., Physics, Math. Eng., Aeronautics or any corresponding MSc. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4,5 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 20220626 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: 16-01-2023



For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Gaetano Sardina, Fluid Dynamics
E-mail: sardina@chalmers.se
Phone: +46737176687

*** 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!