Postdoctoral Fellow in Numerical ice-sheet modelling

The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. It consists of approximately 80 teachers, researchers, doctoral students, and technical/administrative staff.  The department conducts a wide range of fundamental and applied research within marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry and classical geology.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Geological Sciences.

Project description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher for our interdisciplinary project, Tracing How Atlantic Water Impacts North Greenland (THAWING), funded by the Swedish Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (https://kaw.wallenberg.org/inflode-av-atlantvatten-i-arktis-hotar-gronlands-isar). This postdoctoral position is one of several within THAWING and is particularly suited for a scientist with expertise in numerical ice-sheet modelling. 

You will work with ice sheet modelling using the ISSM (Ice Sheet and Sea-level System Model, https://issm.jpl.nasa.gov/) and focusing on the northern Greenland Ice Sheet margin and its outlet glaciers, of which some have the last remaining floating tongues along the northern Greenland margin and therefore been the targets of three successful previous expeditions with IB Oden (Petermann 2015; Ryder 2019; GEOEO North of Greenland 2024).  

Your key responsibilities are:

• Numerical modelling: Setting up a 3d-framework for the northern Greenland ice sheet margin, including processes and/or parametrizations of grounding line migration, subglacial hydrology and discharge, calving, submarine melt, ice mélange buttressing etc so that as realistic as possible simulations can be performed under a range of climate and ocean scenario forcing.
• Collaborative research: Integrate observational data acquired during the above-mentioned expeditions into the ice sheet modelling framework, including in particular newly acquired subglacial topography in the terminus region of CH Ostenfeld Glacier, and across the grounding zones of Ryder and Petermann glaciers
• Collaborative research: Interact with other ice sheet and ocean and fjord circulation modellers at Stockholm University, withing the geo- and climate sciences but also extending to the Dept. of Mathematics where ice sheet model development is ongoing.
• Dissemination: Publish results in leading scientific journals and present findings at international conferences.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to critical climate research, utilizing ice-sheet modeling, with focus on a critical area of the Greenland cryosphere. The postdoctoral appointment is for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The THAWING project aims to bridge key knowledge gaps in ocean-ice interactions in North Greenland and involves collaboration with an international team of scientists. By joining this project, you will become part of a multidisciplinary network and contribute to understanding how ongoing climate change affects one of the Arctic’s last perennially sea-ice-covered regions.

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 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.

We seek candidates with a strong background in numerical ice-sheet modeling. Documented previous experiences of integrating ice sheet modeling with observational data and of working in interdisciplinary groups is meriting.  The candidate should be fluent in English, and be able to work independently and in groups, as well as towards deadlines as the project has specific sub-goals.

The selection among the eligible candidates is based on their expected capacity to complete the project tasks. The following criteria are used to assess this capacity: the applicant's documented knowledge and skills within the subject of their proposed specialization, capability to express their work orally and in writing in English, creativity, ability to take initiatives, capacity for analytical thinking, independence and ability to work with other researchers. The evaluation is based on previous education and experience, quality of previous published research, ambition expressed in the motivation letter, description of the proposed project direction, and potentially interviews. 

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 as per agreement or no sooner than 1st August 2025.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

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 Professor Nina Kirchner, nina.kirchner@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.