PhD Researcher in Experimental Cloud Physics: Analysis of Ice Growth Pathways through Glaciogenic Seeding Experiments

The Atmospheric Physics group at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science (IAC), ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD position (3 to 4 years) to investigate microphysical responses of supercooled clouds to intentional aerosol perturbations within the BeyondCloudlab project. Our research group studies the role of clouds and aerosols in the climate system. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of how cloud microphysical processes drive both precipitation formation and the cloud's radiative impact.

The BeyondCloudlab project leverages weather modification techniques to enhance our understanding of aerosol-cloud interactions, ice crystal growth, cloud-radiation interactions, precipitation initiation, and cloud seeding. Building upon the Cloudlab project, the collaborating SNF project BeyondCloudLab (4 PhDs, 2 PostDocs) brings together a team including Prof. Lohmann and Dr. Henneberger (ETH) working on cloud microphysics and seeding, Prof. Mohr (PSI/ETH) leading aerosol chemical analysis, and Dr. David and Dr. Carlsen (University of Oslo) focusing on aerosol-cloud-radiation interactions.

This experimental PhD position focuses on investigating the microphysical changes resulting from glaciogenic seeding. The envisioned tasks involve:

• Participating in field campaigns in Switzerland in the winter months, including operating a tethered balloon system and assisting with UAV/floating balloon operations.
• Analyzing in situ data (holographic imagers) and ground-based remote-sensing data (cloud radar) to derive ice crystal growth rates via different pathways (deposition, riming, aggregation).
• Quantifying the thermal effects of seeding (flare heat, latent heat release from freezing) on cloud dynamics, turbulence, and microphysics, using dedicated experiments (e.g., flares vs. chaff).
• Providing observational constraints on turbulence and thermal effects to improve the representation of microphysical processes in model simulations.
• Collaborating with team members on data analysis, interpretation, and modeling efforts.
• Publishing research findings in leading scientific journals and presenting them at international conferences

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Atmospheric Science, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong interest in cloud physics, aerosol science, and field measurements.
• Experience with atmospheric instrumentation or field campaigns is a plus.
• Experience with data analysis (e.g., using Python, or similar tools) is advantageous.
• Good communication skills in English (written and spoken).
• Ability to work collaboratively and supportively in an international research environment.
• Willingness to participate in multi-week field campaigns in winter conditions.

• A fully funded 3-4 year PhD position at ETH Zurich.  
• Opportunity to work on a research project using novel experimental techniques to study fundamental cloud processes.
• Hands-on experience with leading edge atmospheric measurement techniques (e.g., holographic imager) and UAV technology.  
• A collaborative international research environment involving ETH Zürich, PSI, and the University of Oslo.