PhD Researcher in Experimental Cloud Physics: Investigation of Aerosol-Cloud Interactions in Warm Clouds through 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) investigating aerosol-cloud interactions and precipitation formation in warm clouds using intentional seeding 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 specifically on investigating aerosol-cloud interactions in warm clouds and their radiative impacts. 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.
• Conducting warm cloud seeding experiments using different seeding agents (e.g., giant salt particles, AgI-containing particles).  
• Analyzing in situ data (holographic imagers) and ground-based remote-sensing data (cloud radar) to assess warm cloud susceptibility to aerosol perturbations.  
• Quantifying the efficiency and speed of warm rain formation (drizzle) processes under varying natural and seeding conditions.  
• 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.