Research assistant, stratospheric polar vortex and weather effect

The Department of Meteorology at Stockholm University (MISU) conducts research and education spanning the atmosphere, ocean and physical climate sciences. MISU offers 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 to weather and climate. MISU strives toward a broad representation of research within our scientific domain.

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 remote-sensing and in-situ measurements, including satellite missions and 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, and both Swedish and English are used as working languages. We welcome and value diversity in our working environment. You can read more here about the Department of Meteorology.

Main responsibilities

You will work with the analysis of the stratospheric variability related to the polar vortex, and its effect on the troposphere and surface weather/climate. The winter polar vortex is known by its vigorous variability associated with what is known as stratospheric sudden warming (SSW). SSW events represent dramatic change of the winter polar vortex represented by a spectacular increase of polar stratospheric temperature, associated with possible wind direction reversal there in just few days. These extreme events can yield disturbances that propagate slowly downward and affect tropospheric circulation and surface climate.

The employment will consist of analysing these extreme events and investigating their effect on tropospheric circulation and surface climate using reanalysis data. You will also work on identifying any predictive power on tropospheric circulation resulting from SSWs. 

Qualification requirements

We are looking for a candidate with:

• At least a bachelor degree in physics, meteorology or a related field
• Experience of climate modeling and analysis of climate data
• Good knowledge of extreme weather events
• Good knowledge of English
• Programming skill.

You also have the ability to work independently and can communicate well. 

It is extra qualifying if you have knowledge in Matlab and/or Python. 

About the employment

This is a full-time, fixed term contract for two months. Stockholm University applies individual salary setting. Start date as soon as possible or as agreed. 

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 Abdel Hannachi,  
abdel.hannachi@misu.su.se

Information about the recruitment process and terms of employment can be obtained from Sara Engström, Head of Administration, sara.engstrom@misu.su.se

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete and that it is submitted before the deadline.

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