Postdoc in Ocean - Sea Ice Interactions

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

Health insurance discount

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a postdoc in Ocean – Sea Ice Interactions to develop and deploy detailed models of coupled ocean and sea ice processes, study their turbulence, and design parameterizations for global climate models.

This ERC ICE-FLOE project involves collaboration with TU Delft colleagues and international partners, with possible involvement in Antarctic research cruises.

Qualifications

• PhD in oceanography, cryospheric science, climate science, or atmospheric science.
• Experience with Large Eddy Simulations and turbulence research; Julia programming language is an advantage but not required.
• Interest in the intersection of solid/fluid mechanics.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to start the position in January-March 2027 (with some flexibility).

Responsibilities

• Deploy detailed models of coupled ocean and sea ice processes.
• Probe turbulent interactions and design parameterizations for global climate models.
• Validate results against in-situ and remote sensing data from Arctic and Antarctic sea ice regions.
• Collaborate with TU Delft and international team members; possible involvement in an Antarctica cruise.

Skills

Large Eddy Simulations

Turbulence research

Julia programming

Solid/Fluid mechanics

Independent work

English communication

Education

PhD in oceanography or cryospheric/climate/atmospheric science

Job description

Deploy detailed models of coupled ocean / sea ice processes, probe their turbulent interactions, compare with observations, and design parameterizations for global climate models.

Postdoc in Ocean - Sea Ice Interactions

Job description

The past decades have been associated with substantial losses of sea ice over both hemispheres. Existing climate models are currently unable to accurately forecast these changes, in part due to their imperfect representation of ocean and sea ice interactions at sub-grid scales.

This project aims to improve our physical understanding of these fine-scale processes, including the melting and breakage of sea ice, using a framework consisting of an ocean Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and a Discrete Element Model (DEM) of sea ice. Results from these simulations will be validated against a combination of in-situ and remote sensing data from both the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice regions. Based on this new understanding, the candidate will develop parameterizations that can emulate these physics for use in more coarsely-resolved climate models.

This fully-funded position is part of the European Research Council (ERC) 'ICE-FLOE' project, and will involve collaborations with other team members at TU Delft and internationally. There may also be the opportunity to assist with a research cruise in Antarctica.

Job requirements

• PhD in oceanography, cryospheric science, climate science, or atmospheric science.
• Experience with Large Eddy Simulations, turbulence research, and the Julia programming language is an advantage but not required.
• Interest in the intersection of solid/fluid mechanics.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to start the position in January-March 2027 (with some flexibility).

• Salary range: €3546 - €5538
• FTE: 1,0

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1-3 years. Temporary.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Please note:

• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.