Postdoc in Ocean - Sea Ice Interactions

TU Delft, NL; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 47,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

Education & training

Relocation support

Leave entitlement (232 hours/yr)

Flexible benefits

Job summary

TU Delft invites applications for a 1-3 year postdoc position in oceanography and cryospheric science. The project combines LES of ocean turbulence with a DEM of sea ice; you will develop parameterizations for climate models and validate against in-situ and remote sensing data.

Collaborations with TU Delft CEGe and international partners; potential involvement in Antarctic research cruise; start date January–March 2027; English required; 38-40 hour workweek; attractive terms and pension.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience with Large Eddy Simulations and turbulence research; Julia is advantageous.
• Interest in the intersection of solid/fluid mechanics.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Develop parameterizations to emulate fine-scale ocean/ice physics for climate models.
• Validate results against in-situ and remote sensing data from Arctic/Antarctic regions.
• Collaborate with TU Delft colleagues and international partners; contribute to a potential Antarctic cruise.

Skills

Large Eddy Simulations

Turbulence research

English proficiency

Education

PhD in oceanography, cryospheric science, climate science, or atmospheric science

Tools

Julia programming language

In-situ data analysis

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.

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).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

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,urbanisationand clean water. Our research projects are conductedin 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

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.
• 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.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 10 November 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Motivation letter (2-3 pages) detailing: (1) your interest in the research topic and (2) a summary of your completed research projects including major results, methodologies used, and connection to this postdoctoral position.
• Transcripts from your MSc degree.
• A copy of your PhD thesis. If unavailable, a draft thesis or write-up from previous research could serve as a temporary substitute.
• Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to provide contact information of at least 3 references.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• 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.You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

FTE: 1,0

Submission is possible until: 10 Nov 2026