Postdoctoral Fellow in Ocean-Glacier Dynamics

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.

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. For more information about us, please visit the Department of Meteorology.

Project description

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join our interdisciplinary project Tracing How Atlantic Water Impacts North Greenland (THAWING) funded by the Swedish Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. This opportunity is ideal for a scientist with a strong physics background who is interested in applying principles of fluid dynamics and mathematical modeling to climate-related challenges in ocean-glacier dynamics.

This is one of a total of six postdoctoral fellow positions within THAWING.

Main responsibilities

In this role, you will investigate ocean-glacier interactions using theoretical approaches and ocean-circulation modeling. Our research group has gathered unique data from three icebreaker expeditions to North Greenland, which can be integrated into your work. A key research question is how Earth's rotation and fjord-glacier geometry limit the inflow of warmer Atlantic Water toward glaciers, thereby influencing subsurface melt on marine glaciers.

As part of the project, you will have the opportunity to:

• Explore the interactions between processes near the ocean-glacier interface and the flow constraints imposed by rotation and fjord-glacier geometry; factors ultimately controlling the relationship between marine glacier melt and oceanic conditions on a larger Arctic scale.
• Collaborate with experts in physical oceanography, ice-sheet dynamics, marine geophysics, and paleoceanography.
• Contribute to advancing our understanding of the complex interplay between the ocean and North Greenland's Ice Sheet, and how this influence both past and future changes in climate and sea level.

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.

Assessment criteria

The doctoral degree should be in geophysics, physics or 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 in ocean and/or glacial dynamics. Documented experience of ocean-circulation modelling focused on ocean-glacier interactions is specifically meriting. The candidate should be able to work effectively both independently and in teams, as well as meet deadlines, given that the project has specific sub-goals. A strong command of both written and spoken English is also required.

About the employment

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 September, 2025, or as per agreement.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from professor Johan Nilsson, johan.nilsson@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 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.