Postdoctoral Fellow in Stratospheric Dynamics and Turbulence

Stockholm University; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Stockholm University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Stratospheric Dynamics and Turbulence in MISU. The role offers flexibility to pursue observational, modelling, or combined approaches, using in-situ data from aircraft, balloons, and satellites.

The candidate will engage with km-scale global simulations (ICON/IFS, ERA6) and join a newly established MISU group, with opportunities to develop independent funding and publish widely.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills, preferably Python.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work in teams and collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Analyze observations and/or model output.
• Build and maintain collaborations with research groups.
• Visualize and present scientific results; prepare publications.

Skills

Python

English proficiency

Collaborative work

Education

PhD in meteorology or related field

Tools

ICON

IFS

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow in Stratospheric Dynamics and Turbulence

The Department of Meteorology at Stockholm University (MISU) conducts research and education spanning the atmosphere, ocean, and physical climate sciences. We offer programmes at the Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels. Our research addresses fundamental questions concerning the dynamics, physics, chemistry, and biogeochemistry of the atmosphere and ocean relevant for weather and climate. We study questions originating from the deep ocean to the upper atmosphere and from the tropics to the poles, using and developing theory, statistical methods, and numerical models in close interplay with observations. We also lead observational research with satellite and surface-based measurements, including icebreaker expeditions to the Arctic.

Turbulence is a fundamental feature of atmospheric flow that transfers heat and momentum across scales. While it constantly churns the atmosphere close to Earth’s surface in the planetary boundary layer, turbulence in the stratosphere is rarer, more intermittent, and more challenging to predict and model. We seek to understand how large‑scale processes control when and where bursts of stratospheric turbulence occur, and to evaluate how well global atmospheric models represent this turbulence in a region that is often modeled with equations built for the constantly churning boundary layer.

Main responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will have the flexibility to shape their own project within two broad goals, and may adopt an observations‑based, modelling‑based, or combined approach. Observational tools may include in‑situ data from aircraft, rockets, and balloons; modelling work will focus on km‑scale global simulations, especially from ICON and IFS, and the soon‑to‑be‑released ERA6 reanalysis. Simulations useful for analysis are already available, so the successful candidate will not need to run models unless they wish to set up a new experiment. Research tasks include analysis of observations and/or model output, building and maintaining collaborations, visualizing and presenting scientific results, and preparing scientific publications. The candidate will join a newly established MISU group and will receive a high degree of individualized support, with guidance available for seeking independent funding if desired.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country, completed no later than the time of the employment decision.

Assessment criteria

The doctoral degree should be in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, or a related field. If the degree is from outside Earth sciences, the applicant must explain the motivation for switching topics and demonstrate how their skills will apply. A degree completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline is considered advantageous; older degrees may be advantageous under special circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or relevant clinical attachment or assignments. Strong programming skills—preferably in Python—excellent written and spoken English, and an interest in teamwork and collaboration are also required.

About the employment

The position is a full‑time appointment lasting a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special cases. The start date is 01/01/2027 or as per agreement, with flexibility to move earlier but not later. The role is temporary, full time, with an individual salary setting. The position is located in Stockholm, Sweden.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.