Postdoctoral Researcher in Numerical Ice Modeling

The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University.

It consists of approximately 80 teachers, researchers, PhD students, and technical/administrative staff. The department conducts a wide range of fundamental and applied research in marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry, and classical geology.

More information about us can be found at: https://www.su.se/institutionen-for-geologiska-vetenskaper/ (https://www.su.se/institutionen-for-geologiska-vetenskaper/).

Project Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher for our interdisciplinary project Tracing How Atlantic Water Impacts North Greenland (THAWING), funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (https://kaw.wallenberg.org/inflode-av-atlantvatten-i-arktis-hotar-gronlands-isar (https://kaw.wallenberg.org/inflode-av-atlantvatten-i-arktis-hotar-gronlands-isar)). This postdoctoral position is one of several within THAWING and is particularly suited for a researcher with expertise in numerical ice modeling.

You will work on ice modeling using ISSM (Ice Sheet and Sea-level System Model, https://issm.jpl.nasa.gov/ (https://issm.jpl.nasa.gov/)) focusing on the northern part of the Greenland ice sheet and its outlet glaciers. Some of these glaciers have the last remaining floating glacier tongues along the northern Greenland coast and have therefore been the target of three successful expeditions with the icebreaker Oden (Petermann 2015; Ryder 2019; GEOEO North of Greenland 2024).

Your main responsibilities include:

• Numerical ice modeling: Establishing a 3D model for the regions of the northern Greenland ice sheet, including processes and/or parameterizations of grounding line migration, subglacial hydrology and runoff, calving, underwater melting, ice mélange buttressing, etc., to enable the most realistic simulations possible under various climate and oceanographic scenarios.
• Integrating observational data from the aforementioned expeditions into the ice model in collaboration with other researchers, such as subglacial topography under CH Ostenfeld, Ryder, and Petermann glaciers.
• Collaborating with other researchers in ice modeling as well as ocean and fjord circulation modeling at Stockholm University.
• Publishing research results in leading scientific journals and presenting findings at international conferences.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to critical climate research through ice modeling, focusing on a key area within the Greenland cryosphere. The position is for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The THAWING project aims to bridge important knowledge gaps regarding sea-ice interactions in northern Greenland and involves collaboration with an international research team. You will be part of an interdisciplinary network and contribute to understanding how ongoing climate change affects one of the last areas of permanent sea ice in the Arctic. Additional fieldwork opportunities may become available within the project.

Eligibility Requirements

A postdoctoral researcher is defined as an employee primarily hired for research who has obtained a doctoral degree or has a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree.

Assessment Criteria

The degree must have been obtained no later than when the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, service in total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments in the subject area.

We seek candidates with a strong background in numerical ice modeling. Documented experience in integrating observational data into numerical ice models and working in interdisciplinary groups is advantageous.

The candidate should be fluent in English and able to work both independently and in a team, as well as have the ability to meet deadlines, as the project has specific milestones. The candidate should be fluent in English, able to work independently and in a group, and able to meet deadlines, as the project has specific milestones.

Selection

The selection among qualified candidates is based on their expected ability to complete the project tasks. The following criteria will be used to assess this ability: the applicant's documented knowledge and skills in the subject of their proposed specialization, ability to express their work verbally and in writing in English, creativity, initiative-taking ability, analytical thinking, independence, and ability to collaborate with other researchers. The evaluation is based on previous education and experience, the quality of previously published research, the ambitions expressed in the cover letter, the description of the proposed project focus, and any interviews.

About the Position

The position is full-time and is permanent, but for at least two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date by agreement but no earlier than 250801.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interplay between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Inquiries about the position can be made to project leader Professor Nina Kirchner, nina.kirchner@su.se (mailto:nina.kirchner@su.se).

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the requested documents in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university no later than the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-på-su/att-söka-en-anställning (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

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