Researcher in Climate Modeling - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Climate modelling is within the general field of geobiosphere science and is an aspect of physical geography and ecosystem science.

Overview

Clouds are pivotal for the Earth’s radiation budget.  This budget determines the extent of climate change for given anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols.  Numerical global models of the atmosphere are used to predict climate change. Conventionally, such climate models have treated clouds statistically with 'parameterisations', the assumptions of which can introduce much uncertainty.

Consequently, a project is starting at Lund University that aims to improve the accuracy of climate prediction through the application of AI techniques.  Machine learning offers a way to simulate the effects from clouds more realistically and in more detail.   The project will advance understanding of the cloud-radiation feedback in climate change.  This feedback controls the extent of projected global warming.

A postdoctoral research position, initially for one year, is to be filled in the project.  Given satisfactory progress at the end of each year and approval by the administration, the position will be renewed each year for up to 3 years.

Work duties

In the first year, these activities are to be done:

• Set up a simplified single-column version of a climate model for an observed storm case and include schemes from a cloud model
• Build a deep learning scheme, training it for that case
• Write a report at the end of the year

Qualification requirements

• The applicant must, in addition to a doctoral (PhD) degree in meteorology, have a bachelor's degree in physics or equivalent
• Applicants must have very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Applicants must have programming language experience in UNIX environments, such as Fortran or C
• In the application, applicants must provide proof of how they meet these requirements

Additionally, the following would be advantageous:

• Researchers with a strong background in numerical modeling and knowledge of mesoscale meteorology are encouraged to apply
• It is desirable that the applicant has documented knowledge, preferably from his / her university education in: - (1) mathematics, especially differential equations; (2) numerical methods and / or computer programming; and (3) physical meteorology (for example, cloud physics)
• Experience with artificial intelligence software would be an advantage but is not essential

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

In the application, applicants must provide proof of how they meet the above requirements. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence.

Terms of employment

The employment is initially for one year, full-time.  Employment can be extended for up to 3 years depending on progress and budget. At the end of each year, the results should be summarized in a written report from the researcher.

The position will start on 31 March 2021 or at a date mutually agreed. 

Enquiries about the position can be made to Vaughan Phillips (vaughan.phillips@nateko.lu.se).

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than two pages)
• contact information of at least two references
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered