Postdoctoral Fellow in the Earth's Energy Balance

The Department of Meteorology at Stockholm University (MISU) conducts research and education spanning the atmosphere, ocean and physical climate sciences. We offer educational programmes at the Bachelors, Masters and PhD levels. Our research addresses fundamental questions concerning the dynamics, physics, chemistry and biogeochemistry of the atmosphere and ocean relevant for weather and climate. We study questions originating from the deep ocean to the upper atmosphere and from the tropics to the poles. In this effort, we use and develop theory, statistical methods, and numerical models in close interplay with observations. We also develop and lead observational research using satellite and surface-based measurements, including icebreaker expeditions to the Arctic. For more information about us, please visit: www.su.se/department-of-meteorology/.

Project description

The Earth's climate is changing rapidly because the delicate balance between incoming sunlight and reflected and emitted infrared radiation is upset by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. This leads to energy accumulation in the climate system, which causes warmer temperatures, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather around the globe. Past and current satellite missions can observe how the imbalance changes over time, but not its absolute magnitude. The Earth Climate Observatory mission (ECO) is proposed by a European consortium led by distinguished researchers from Sweden, Belgium and France, as a future satellite constellation to measure energy imbalance with high accuracy from space. We are now looking for a postdoc to join the ECO-team. ECO is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) as an ESA Earth Explorer Phase 0 candidate mission.  

Main responsibilities

The position involves research in observing and understanding the Earth's energy imbalance and the planet's changing radiation budget. A specific task will be to contribute to the Swedish led development of the ECO mission end-to-end simulator, which will be used to assess the performance of the constellation and to test the ground processing software in advance of launch, in particular to enhance the mapping capabilities. Furthermore, research into understanding the rapidly changing energy imbalance is encouraged, which may for example include studies of the changing radioactive forcing, internal variability and feedbacks, or to develop methods to integrate existing and future energy imbalance and radiation budget data.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assesment criteria

The doctoral degree must be in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, oceanography or in a related field. The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills within the area of the employment. An excellent command of written and spoken English is also required.

About the post

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 1 October, 2024 or as per agreement.

We offer

MISU is embedded in a larger research environment including the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, the Baltic Sea Centre, and the Swedish e-Science Research Centre. The department is highly international, with over half our employees coming from outside Sweden. At MISU you will get favourable conditions and a good work environment. A postdoc position at MISU is a good start for your research career!

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Associate Professor Thorsten Mauritsen, phone +46 72 940 8122, thorsten.mauritsen@misu.su.se. For information about the recruitment process, contact head of administration Sara Engström, sara.engstrom@misu.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!