Postdoc Position in Climate Dynamics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The newly formed Climate Dynamics group led by Prof. Robert Jnglin Wills seeks 1 postdoc to investigate future changes in the large-scale circulation of the atmosphere, the role of ocean-atmosphere coupling in climate variability and change, and/or the influence of the atmospheric circulation on regional climate change and extreme weather.

Project background

Using a combination of climate modelling, physics-based theoretical understanding, and data science methods, our group pursues research on a broad range of topics in climate science such as:

• patterns of the sea-surface temperature response to forcing on various timescales and their influence on the atmospheric circulation,
• the role of mesoscale (storm-scale) processes in the atmospheric response to anomalous surface conditions,
• mechanisms and predictability of earth system variability on interannual and longer timescales, and
• persistent atmospheric circulation anomalies and their role in extreme weather.

These research topics are all part of a broader mission to understand how global climate change manifests at the regional scale, in order to better contextualize extreme weather events in the modern climate and help society prepare for regional climate trends in the coming decades.

Job description

You will work collaboratively to define and pursue a major research project in climate dynamics and take leadership in the associated research field. We have project ideas on topics such as persistent atmospheric circulation regimes and their role in extreme weather, storm-resolving climate modelling, the ocean’s role in climate variability and change, tropical climate change, and statistical and machine learning methods to identify the pattern of climate response to forcing, however, you are encouraged to bring your own expertise and pursue research in areas outside of but complementary to these topics.

You have a strong background in physics, math, and/or statistics, some specialized knowledge in one or more components of the coupled climate system (especially the atmosphere or ocean), and an intellectual curiosity about the many interdisciplinary aspects of climate science.

The position is fully funded for up to 2 years, and there are multiple pathways to secure one’s own funding to extend the position. The position comes with the possibility of co-supervise PhD and/or master’s students working on similar topics.

Your profile

• PhD in atmospheric science, oceanography, earth/environmental sciences, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Programming experience and experience working with climate model output or observational data are preferred.
• Intellectual curiosity about the many interdisciplinary aspects of climate science.
• Demonstrated ability to pursue research independently and as part of a team (including the potential supervision of students).
• Very good spoken and written English language skills for communication within the group and for the presentation of scientific results at international conferences and in written papers.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

• ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to a competitive salary and and exciting working environment, cultural diversity, and attractive offers and benefits .
• The Climate Dynamics group offers personalized mentoring, a stimulating research group environment embedded within a large climate science research institute (https://iac.ethz.ch/ ), an international network of collaborators, and full funding of research costs (computing, conference travel, publication costs)

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents by January 16th 2023:

• Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, if any, and indicating relevant coursework)
• A letter (1-2 pages) explaining your research interests and experience, any project idea(s) you may have, and your motivation to apply for this position
• Names and contact details of two professional references.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Possible starting dates: 1 April 2023 or within a few months thereafter

Further information about  Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science can be found on our website www.iac.ethz.ch . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Robert Jnglin Wills, [email protected] (no applications). Administrative requests should be directed to Barbara Wittneben, [email protected] .

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.