Postdoctoral Fellow in Studies of Anthropogenic Aerosols and Gases in South Asia

The Department of environmental science is one of the largest departments in the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. Our research spans from couplings between climate change and biogeochemical cycles (atmosphere-land-ocean) to the sources, transport and effects of environmental contaminants. The department consists of four units with more than 170 faculty, Postdocs, PhD students, technical and administrative staff from over 30 countries. We are deeply engaged also in the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, a national center of excellence that facilitates research, teaching and outreach related to the Earth’s climate across disciplines.

Research in the Biogeochemistry Unit focuses on the dynamics of organic matter, methane, nutrients and trace metals and more on land, in the ocean and in the atmosphere, and their interaction with human activities and climate. The unit has a strong and long-standing research focus on Arctic biogeochemistry – climate interactions with the overarching goal to improve the systems understanding and thus future projections of carbon/methane-climate feedback processes in the Arctic.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of environmental science.

Project description

The post-doc will be immersed in strong and long-standing research on the interlinkages between air pollution and climate change in South Asia. The department offers well-equipped analytical facilities for addressing these questions with advanced molecular, isotopic and optical measurement techniques. We have a large international collaborative network and great access to strategic and well-equipped atmospheric receptor observatories in South Asia.

Atmospheric particles such as combustion-derived black carbon (BC, soot), organic carbon (OC), sulphate and dust play central roles in climate change and air pollution, yet are poorly characterized. To reduce overall uncertainties, there is need for observation-based constraints on both the sources and composition-related optical properties of carbonaceous and other aerosol components.  These observational studies can favorably be combined with modeling.

Large quantities of methane, carbon monoxide and other gases are also emitted from the South Asian region, affecting climate and atmospheric chemistry. Despite much recent research focus, the sources and atmospheric fate of such gases are not well constrained. The post-doc may also engage in investigations of key gases using isotopic tools at our strategically located regional receptor sites. This allows detailed characterization of sources, atmospheric reactions and overall constraints of their atmospheric lifecycle.

The post-doc will be centrally engaged in international cooperation including field-based campaigns.

Main responsibilities

This post doc position may focus on different aspects, that we jointly decide to prioritize, of the overarching theme of aerosols, gases and climate change within the framework and goals of the decade-scale South Asian Pollution Experiment (SAPOEX) program. Possibilities include, but are not restricted to, comparing long-term observational records with predictions from emission inventories and modeling to both diagnose areas in need of further advance and to assess sources and time-trends in the air pollution – climate effects nexus for South Asia. 

The incoming postdoc is encouraged to bring in own ideas and describe them in their application files.

Beyond the specific project goals, we aim to provide postdocs with attractive opportunities to develop their careers. We will discuss personal development goals at the beginning and throughout the postdoc period. We offer possibilities to develop new method skills, be involved in teaching, in bachelor and master thesis supervision, and in other ongoing research, if the postdoc is interested. Stockholm University also offers courses and workshops on university pedagogics and proposal writing.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances 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.

A PhD is required to take up this position, but does not have to be completed before the application deadline. Please apply for this position if you expect to complete your PhD in the months after the application deadline and indicate in your application when you expect to defend your thesis.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express themselves verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity in scientific thinking, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with others. The evaluation will be based on the quality and ambition of previous work, scientific publications, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews. High value will be placed on the scientific quality and feasibility of the research ideas submitted with the application, and the ability of the candidate to execute the plan.

We are looking for a highly motivated person with an evidenced strong drive to advance the frontier in the links between air pollution and climate change.  A background in Atmospheric, Earth and Environmental Sciences, ideally with an applied chemistry/instrumental analysis component would be advantageous. Experience with large data handling and modeling is also an asset. Collaborative skills and proficiency in English are 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 as per agreement.

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 favourable 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 the project leader Professor Örjan Gustafsson, orjan.gustafsson@aces.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.