PhD student in Environmental Science focusing on atmospheric aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions

Ref. No. SU FV-1134-23

at the Department of Environmental Science . Closing date: 30 April 2023.

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 190 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.

Research in atmospheric science unit focuses on the atmospheric composition and its impacts on climate and air quality. The majority of the research activities within the atmospheric science unit focus on understanding the life cycle and impact of aerosol particles and clouds. 

Project description
The interplay between atmospheric liquid or solid aerosol particles and clouds is a key theme in climate research. Aerosol particles originating from various natural and anthropogenic sources act as cloud condensation nuclei or ice nuclei for cloud droplets and ice crystals to form on. Consequently, the human influence on atmospheric aerosol loadings are likely to result in perturbations in the extent and properties of clouds. This effect is still poorly understood. Despite large effort during past decades, the processes controlling aerosol-cloud interactions and explaining observed changes are not yet fully understood. The microphysical properties and chemical composition of aerosol particles, and their interaction with water vapour and meteorology represent a complex system with multiple simultaneous interactions. It is one of the major challenges of atmospheric science to understand this complex system and use it to improve predictions of future climate.

This PhD project aims to contribute in our understanding of the key processes governing the life cycle of aerosols and clouds, their close interplay with atmospheric circulation, meteorology, water vapour and chemistry. The successful applicant will participate in the collection and analysis of observational data from field and laboratory experiments, and linking them to our ability to describe atmospheric aerosols and clouds within numerical models. The specific goals of this PhD project will be to: 1) measure, analyse and interpret data on aerosol and cloud microphysical and chemical properties in a context of atmospheric chemistry and physics, meteorology and biogeochemistry; 2) contribute to the improvement of theoretical and numerical models describing cloud formation, aerosol dynamics and eventually the climate system by providing the needed experimental input. The project is part of the AtmoCLOUD project funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation.

Qualification requirements
To meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, 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.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, for doctoral studies in Environmental Science, at least 45 of the credits at the second cycle must be 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.

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their ability to successfully pursue the research education. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express her/himself verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with others. The evaluation will be made based on the relevance of past education and experience, grades from previous university courses (in particular at the advanced level), the quality and ambition of the independent project work, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations .

Terms of employment
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more information, please contact Prof. Ilona Riipinen, ilona.riipinen@aces.su.se , telephone:+46 73 585 9251 or Assoc. Prof. Paul Zieger, paul.zieger@aces.su.se , telephone: +46 8 674 7634.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se , seko@seko.su.se (SEKO), and PhD student representative, doktorandombud@sus.su.se ​​.

Application
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. 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. 

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter motivating your interest for this position
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience, and a list of degree projects/theses
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
• Optional letters of recommendation (no more than 6 files)
• Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).

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

You are welcome to apply!

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

URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs/phd-student-positions-1.507588?rmpage=job&rmjob=20540&rmlang=UK