Postdoc in microwave remote sensing of the atmosphere

Together we work to increase knowledge on how to best achieve a long-term sustainable planet using the tools of atmospheric remote sensing. We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc researcher to carry out ground-based microwave remote sensing of the atmosphere using radiometer measurements performed at the Onsala Space Observatory.

Project description
You will have the daily responsibilities for a number of instruments, but in particular be improving the data processing and analysis of the data produced by the instruments. Of special concern is to make use of synergies offered by the broad set of instruments available at the site.

Information about the division and the department
The position is embedded in the research group for Space Geodesy and Geodynamics (SGG) at the Onsala Space Observatory (OSO). Our main working places are at the OSO, 45 km south of Gothenburg, and at Chalmers campus in Gothenburg. The observatory has a long history of using microwave radiometers, for various applications.  The instruments in operation today are a 22 GHz radiometer for water vapour in the middle atmosphere, a 110/115 GHz radiometer for ozone and carbon monoxide in the mesosphere, two 22/31 GHz radiometers for tropospheric water vapour and liquid water paths. Furthermore, a new radiometer (HATPRO) for tropospheric sounding of water vapour, temperature and liquid water has just been purchased and will be installed in the spring of 2023.  The existing complementary observations include GNSS retrievals of water vapour columns. A solar-occultation (FTIR) instrument will also soon be added to the site’s instrumentation during 2023.

Major responsibilities
As a postdoc, your main responsibility is to conduct research. If there is interest, the position also offers possibilities for teaching and (co-)supervision of master and PhD students (no more than 20 % of working hours). Research duties include:

- Take care of the daily operation of the microwave radiometers at OSO. Infrastructure and staff of the facility will be at your disposal to tackle technical problems.
- Run and improve the inversions based on data from these instruments.
- Explore synergies with other ground-based observations at OSO.
- Potentially extend the observations to enable new retrievals, such as obtaining winds from the 110/115 GHz instrument.
- Perform scientific studies based on the data obtained.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position you need a PhD degree related to remote sensing of the Earth's atmosphere. To qualify for the position, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). It is good if you have a driving license as it simplifies the transportation to/from the work place at the Onsala Space Observatory. The position requires sound verbal and writing communication skills in English. Knowledge in the Swedish language is not required but Chalmers offers courses for new employees to learn Swedish. Experience with computer programming and data analysis, preferably in Python inside a Linux environment is needed. Additional merits include experience of microwave radiometry, knowledge in inversion theory (retrievals) and being familiar with the ARTS software. Ideas on scientific studies to perform are welcome, but can also be elaborated during the position. Further you are expected to have some experience in teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for three 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 20230203 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 as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• 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:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 2023-05-31

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Peter Forkman, OSO, peter.forkman@chalmers.se
Prof. Rüdiger Haas, OSO, rüdiger.haas@chalmers.se
Prof. Gunnar Elgered, OSO, gunnar.elgered@chalmers.se
Prof. Patrick Eriksson, GEO, patrick.eriksson@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!