PhD Researcher in Cloud Modeling: Improvement of Microphysical Parameterizations based on Cloud 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) focused on modeling aerosol-cloud-radiation interactions using high-resolution simulations (ICON-LEM) 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 PhD position focuses specifically on using and refining the ICON model in Large-Eddy Mode (ICON-LEM) to simulate the cloud seeding experiments conducted during the project and improve process-level parameterizations. The envisioned tasks involve:

• Setting up and running high-resolution ICON-LEM simulations mimicking cloud seeding experiments performed in the field campaigns.
• Participating in field campaigns in Switzerland in the winter months, including operating UAVs.
• Evaluating and improving model parameterizations in rain (collision-coalescence) and snow (diffusional ice growth, aggregation, riming) formation by comparing simulation results with detailed observational data from the field campaigns.  
• Simulating and diagnosing the radiative impacts of aerosol perturbations (seeding) in ICON-LEM and comparing these with field measurements.
• Collaborating closely with experimental team members to integrate observations 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 atmospheric modelling and cloud physics/dynamics.
• Experience with running numerical models is an advantage.
• Experience in working in a Linux/Unix high-performance computing environment is a plus.
• 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 directly linking simulations with unique experimental data from intentional cloud perturbations.
• Access to high-performance computing resources and state-of-the-art modeling tools (ICON-LEM).
• A collaborative international research environment involving ETH Zürich, PSI, and the University of Oslo.