Postdoctoral position in Physics with focus on aerosol formation in the Arctic - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Division of Nuclear Physics at the Department of Physics at Lund University will employ a new post-doctor within the field of atmospheric aerosols. The research at the division covers a broad spectrum of basic and applied nuclear physics as well as aerosol chemistry and physics. Within the division, the aerosol research group conducts research on atmospheric aerosol particles and their impact on climate and air quality. This research involves aerosol in-situ measurements, satellite measurements, process modelling as well as global Earth System modelling.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University

Subject description

In the Arctic aerosols play a fundamental, but poorly understood, role for the properties of mixed-phase clouds. These clouds are extremely important for the Arctic energy balance. Thus, only small aerosol-cloud perturbations can have large impact on the Arctic climate. In turn, both the natural Arctic aerosol production over the open ocean and the long-distance transport of aerosols from the surrounding continental regions can increase as a consequence of the Arctic climate change.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

You will investigate how natural and anthropogenic emissions over the ocean and land interplay and contribute to the formation and growth of new particles and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) during air mass exchanges between the Arctic and the surrounding continental regions. Your main work duties will be to develop the atmospheric chemistry transport model ADCHEM, in particular the gas–cluster–aerosol dynamics module, and run the model along air mass trajectories arriving at measurement stations in the Arctic and sub-Arctic forest region. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with researchers at the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) and you are expected to spend part of your working hours at SMHI in Norrköping.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Development of the Lagrangian chemistry transport model ADCHEM.
• Study how atmospheric aerosol particles contribute to Arctic climate change.
• Investigating the atmospheric relevance of different new particle formation mechanisms.
• Analysis of the uncertainties related to the gas–cluster–aerosol dynamics and existing thermodynamics data used by the Atmospheric Cluster Dynamics Code (ACDC).
• Atmospheric dispersion modelling with the FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model (FLEXPART).
• Analysis of model results and atmospheric observations.
• Write and publish scientific articles in per-reviewed open access journals.
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Actively seeking external research funding.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in numerical modelling.
• Comprehenice knowledgh about atmospheric secondary aerosol formation.
• Experience in programming e.g. with Fortran, Matlab and/or Python.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications:

• Experience in development and application of chemsitry transport models.
• Experience in running the FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model (FLEXPART).
• Knowledge about atmospheric new particle formation.
• Experience in analysis of atmospheric aerosol observations.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years (24 months). The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)

Welcome with your application!