PhD student in Atmospheric Sciences and Oceanography, focus on polar clouds

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 Bachelor's, Master's 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

Dramatic sea ice loss over the Arctic and Antarctic triggers climate feedback processes that can both enhance or dampen global warming. Cloud feedbacks - encompassing changes in cloud fraction, altitude, thickness, and phase (liquid or ice) - are among the most uncertain factors. The PhD project’s specific aim is to improve our understanding of cloud feedbacks by studying cloud formation and cloud properties during warm air intrusions and cold air outbreaks in the polar regions. The PhD student will mainly use satellite retrievals and available in-situ data as tools and compare these observations with model simulations conducted by collaborators within the project.

This position is associated with a project funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation called Feedbacks between sea ice, ocean, clouds, and aerosols in changing polar climates (ACCELERATE). The overall ambition of ACCELERATE is to deliver more robust future climate projections by providing constraints on global climate models regarding polar cloud feedbacks.  

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be fulfilled before admission to the programme.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

The specific entry requirements additionally require a minimum of 90 higher education credits in any of the fields of meteorology, oceanography, physics or chemistry; and at least 15 higher education credits in mathematics as well as a degree project of at least 15 higher education credits. At least 60 higher education credits of these courses must be on the second-cycle level. In addition, proficiency in English language, equivalent to English B in Swedish high school, is required.
The specific entry requirements may also be fulfilled by a person who has otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

General syllabus for doctoral studies in Atmospheric Sciences and Oceanography.

Selection

The selection between candidates who meet the entry requirements will be made with reference to their ability to benefit from the training. However, the fact that an applicant is deemed able to transfer credits from previous training or professional experience may not alone give the applicant priority over other applicants in the selection process. Admission decisions are made in accordance with current delegation policies.

The selection process takes into account the familiarity and skill of the subject, ability to communicate in spoken and written English, analytical ability, creativity, initiative and independence, and ability to interact in a group. The selection is based on the relevance of previous studies, grades of higher education courses (especially those at second-cycle level), quality and scope of degree projects, references, interviews, and supplemented letter of intent.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

Starting date as per agreement.

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

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

Contact

For more information about the project, please contact Professor Annica Ekman, annica.ekman@misu.su.se. 

For more information about the PhD programme, please contact the study director, associate professor Thorsten Mauritsen, thorsten.mauritsen@misu.su.se.

For information about the recruitment process and terms of employment, please contact head of administration Sara Engström, sara.engstrom@misu.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student 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.