The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focuses on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and with a strong international profile. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Environmental Science.

The Atmospheric Science Unit focuses on atmospheric composition, aerosols and clouds life cycle and properties, and their impacts on climate and the environment. The research combines experimental studies and modeling, with a particular focus on aerosol–cloud interactions and air quality.

Project description

The interplay between aerosol particles and clouds represents one of the largest sources of uncertainty in our understanding of the climate system. Aerosols of both natural and anthropogenic origin influence cloud formation, lifetime, and radiative properties by acting as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nuclei — yet the processes governing aerosol particle formation, processing and interactions with clouds remain poorly constrained. Reducing this uncertainty is highly important for improving projections of past, present, and future climate.

This PhD project will in particular focus on aerosol process representation and evaluation in the Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM) and how these processes impact climate. The project offers certain thematic flexibility and will be shaped in dialogue with the successful candidate, but will be within the realm of analysis of long-term in-situ observational datasets to evaluate and constrain model representations of key processes, development of a new and innovative sectional aerosol scheme in NorESM, and/or investigation of the climate-scale impacts of aerosol-cloud interactions using model simulations.

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 met by the deadline for applications.

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.

Specific entry requirements for doctoral studies in Environmental Science, are met if at least 45 of the credits at the second cycle is in one of the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology) including a 30 credits thesis project. The applicant should also have 30 credits in other natural science subjects different from the major.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
capacity for analytical and creative thinking
initiative
independence
ability to collaborate
written and oral proficiency in English.

Prior experience in programming and numerical modelling is considered a merit.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

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, please contact Assistant Professor Sara Blichner, phone: +46 7 935 03 771, sara.blichner@aces.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.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

PhD student in Environmental Science on aerosol-cloud interactions in climate models