Postdoc Measuring and Simulating Low Clouds

Delft; Netherlands; Remote; EUR 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension ABP

Annual leave 232 hours

Health insurance discount

Individual employment package

Job summary

TU Delft, via the Geoscience & Remote Sensing department, seeks a PostDoc to advance measuring and simulating stratocumulus clouds within the TurPhyCloud ERC Synergy Project. You will design measurement and simulation strategies, process data, and collaborate with international partners to push cloud microphysics research forward.

You will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary team and contribute to teaching activities while developing in a world-class climate science environment at Delft University

Qualifications

• PhD required; backgrounds in Climate Science, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science welcomed.
• Solid background in CFD and programming (Python/Fortran/C++).
• Experience with in-situ and remote sensing measurements of atmospheric turbulence and cloud microphysics.
• Desirable experience with RANS or LES models.

Responsibilities

• Co-develop measurement and simulation strategies during field campaigns.
• Analyse measurement and simulation results to understand microphysics-turbulence-radiation interactions in stratocumulus clouds.
• Collaborate across TU Delft and partner institutes; contribute to data management and publications.

Skills

CFD

Python/Fortran/C++

In-situ measurements

Remote sensing

RANS/LES

Education

PhD

Tools

RANS/LES

Job description

Postdoc Measuring and Simulating Low Clouds

The project:

Earth’s dominant cloud type per area covered is Stratocumulus. These low-level, shallow, horizontally extensive clouds cover one-fifth of the Earth’s surface. Changes in cloud cover may amplify rather than mitigate global warming but the magnitude of this is highly uncertain. One of the greatest challenges in climate science is to predict how clouds in general, and stratocumulus in particular, will change in a warming world.

As part of TurPhyCloud, an EU-funded ERC Synergy Project, you are part of an international team that will deliver novel high-resolution in-situ measurements using advanced instruments mounted on drones and on a

helikite. Two field campaigns will take place at Utö Atmospheric and Marine Research Station in the Baltic Sea area. The measurements will capture the full complexity of processes in midlatitude stratocumulus. These will range from the kilometre scale down to micrometre scale at which turbulence influences the rate at which cloud droplets collide, condense and evaporate.

Guided by the results from the field campaigns, a new Microphysics Informed Large-Eddy-Simulation (MiLES) model will be developed. The tested and verified MiLES will be embedded in operational weather and climate models. Combining the unique stratocumulus measurements at Utö and the realistic simulations from the MiLES model, the project aims to develop major advances in our understanding of how cloud-microphysical processes in stratocumulus interact with radiation and turbulence.

Working style and research environment:

You will join the Geoscience & Remote Sensing department (GRS) working closely with PhD researchers, postdocs, and professors in an open and collaborative environment, where you will receive full support and training to grow in your career. This project is a collaboration between TU Delft and partner institutes in Germany, Sweden and Finland, thus offering the chance to work with leading experts in clouds and climate science. Regular seminars, meetings and conferences bring together a vibrant community of cloud researchers encouraging close scientific collaboration with within the TurPhyCloud Consortium.

Job requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic PostDoc candidate to join the ERC Synergy Project TurPhyCloud, who will work on the interface between the atmospheric measurements, simulation strategies and analyses. You will co-develop the measurement and simulation strategies during the field campaigns, co-design the data management, but above all, analyse the measurement and simulation results to improve the understanding of microphysics-turbulence-radiation interactions in stratocumulus clouds.

As a PostDoc candidate you hold a PhD degree. As a suitable candidate, you may come from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, Climate Science, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science. You have a solid background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and be proficient in programming (e.g., Python, Fortran, or C++) and visualization tools. You have experience with in-situ and remote sensing measurements of atmospheric turbulence and cloud microphysics. Experience with simulation tools, such as RANS or LES models, is highly desirable.

You possess strong analytical skills, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. Fluency in English (both written and oral) is required, as you will be expected to present your findings through peer-reviewed publications and at international project meetings and scientific conferences.

The position will regularly interact with other project members both at Delft and outside, therefore skills in teamwork and communication are a plus. We value an inclusive and collaborative environment and look for applicants who share these values. As part of your duties you will actively participate in teaching activities.

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.

Clickhere to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is3 years. Temporary external finance.
• A job of 36-40 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. .

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

FTE: 1,0

Submission is possible until: 28 Sep 2026