Postdoctoral researcher on climate modelling of aerosol-cloud interactions

The Atmospheric Physics Group of Prof. Ulrike Lohmann at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences at ETH Zurich (IAC-ETH) invites applications for a 2-year Postdoc position within the project "Glaciogenic seeding on mixed-phase clouds for radiation management (GLANCE)", funded by the Solar Radiation Management (SRM) programme of the Simons Foundation. 

Solar and terrestrial radiation management is a climate intervention approach to modify the Earth's radiation budget by cooling the planet and mitigating some of the negative impacts from global warming. As a new alternative to solar radiation management proposals such as stratospheric aerosol injection, terrestrial radiation management has the potential to also mitigate polar warming during winter. In particular, a new method of mixed-phase cloud thinning (MCT) has recently been proposed, based on seeding supercooled liquid clouds with ice-nucleating particles (INPs). This causes these clouds to glaciate and precipitate, allowing more longwave radiation to be emitted to space. However, cloud glaciation is still poorly represented in climate models, so the risks and potential of this and other INP-based possible climate solutions remain uncertain. GLANCE aims to improve our understanding of cloud glaciation and MCT in order to increase our range of options in the event of a climate emergency and to minimise their potential risks.

Our group has long-standing experience in the representation of cloud microphysics in climate models. In addition, a wide range of computational resources for regional and climate modelling are available in our group and at ETH Zurich.

The main objectives of the postdoctoral position will be the development of the global climate model ICON-HAM for the study of MCT, including:

• Implementation and maintenance of cloud microphysics modules based on the predecessor model ECHAM-HAM, including Classical Nucleation Theory (CNT) and, as progress allows, implementation of new INP species such as marine organics and silver iodide
• Evaluation of cloud microphysics using single column simulations and, as progress allows, evaluation of global cloud glaciation patterns against satellite data using different model horizontal resolutions (160 km down to 10 km)

“In general, postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich have a full-time employment. A part-time employment may only be considered in exceptional cases (e.g. child- or familycare, other projects or employment).”

The successful candidate should hold a doctoral degree in atmospheric, environmental, or computer sciences. An outstanding record of scientific communication and publications is desired. Knowledge of oral and written English is required. A good background in thermodynamics and microphysics, and proficiency in programming languages such as Bash (Linux), Python and FORTRAN is expected. We are looking for a highly motivated, committed, and creative person.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.