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University of Gothenburg meets society's challenges with versatile knowledge. With 58,000 students and 6,800 employees, the university is a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive education attract researchers and students from all over the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University of Gothenburg contributes to a better future.

The Department of Earth Sciences conducts interdisciplinary research covering land, sea, and atmosphere. We investigate Earth systems, the interaction between humans and the environment, and their impact to contribute to solutions for global sustainability challenges. The department has strong competence in advanced research tools, including remote sensing, climate modeling, isotope analysis, and geographic information systems.

Subject Description

The subject involves studying the dynamic processes that govern regional climate variability in different climate regimes. The focus is on mechanisms linking large-scale atmospheric circulation, mesoscale processes, and local feedbacks that shape precipitation, storms, and hydroclimatic events.

A particular strategic focus lies in understanding regional climate dynamics and extreme events in high-alpine environments and monsoon-influenced environments, where complex topography and land-atmosphere interactions strongly influence atmospheric circulation and local extreme events. To strengthen this profile, expertise in process-based climate and weather modeling across various spatial scales and regions is particularly advantageous. The primary assessment criterion for the position is scientific proficiency, and researchers with outstanding documented merits in regional climate dynamics are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will lead research on extreme precipitation associated with the Asian summer monsoon over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) under climate change. The position focuses on understanding how climate warming affects monsoon-related changes in local dynamic and thermodynamic processes, large-scale moisture transport, and atmospheric circulation, as well as how these changes affect the characteristics of mesoscale convective systems (MCS).

The work includes analysis of observational and reanalysis data to characterize the occurrence of MCS and associated large-scale drivers. High-resolution atmospheric modeling (e.g., WRF) will be used to investigate selected case studies and quantify the impact of monsoon variability on MCS. The project also includes dynamic downscaling with ERA5 reanalysis to assess long-term trends and variability in MCS activity under changing climate conditions.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to contribute to model configuration, simulation design, data analysis, and scientific publication, as well as collaborate closely with the project's partners. The applicant is expected to work both independently and in collaboration with others and may supervise master's or bachelor's students.

Qualifications

To be eligible for the position of postdoctoral researcher, the applicant must have completed a PhD in meteorology, atmospheric science, climate science, or a related field before the employment begins. Applicants who have not yet completed their PhD at the time of application must attach a certificate from their supervisor confirming the date of the defense. The PhD must have been awarded no more than three years before the last day of application, unless there are special reasons.

Assessment Criteria

• Background in atmospheric science or a climate-related field.
• Experience in analyzing atmospheric processes relevant to clouds, monsoon circulation, and/or climate variability.
• Experience working with reanalysis data and large observational datasets.
• Good knowledge of scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Fortran, or equivalent).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Merits

• Documented experience in numerical atmospheric modeling (e.g., WRF or comparable regional climate models).
• Experience with high-resolution simulations or simulations that explicitly describe convection.
• Experience working in HPC environments.
• A strong publication list relevant to the Asian summer monsoon, extreme precipitation, and/or the Tibetan Plateau.
• Experience in international research collaborations.

You are highly motivated, can work both independently and in collaboration with others, and have strong analytical skills and good problem-solving abilities.

The applicant is expected to actively contribute to the project's research profile. Great importance will be attached to personal suitability and the ability to collaborate in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

Employment

The employment is fixed-term for two years*, covers 100%, full-time, and is located at the Department of Earth Sciences.

Start date is 2026-10-01 or as agreed.

*The employment may be extended if necessary to achieve the purpose of the employment, but the total employment period must not exceed three years.

Contact Information

Hans Linderholm, Head of Department
Email: [email protected]

Hui-Wen Lai, Project Manager
Email: [email protected]

If you have questions about the recruitment process, you are welcome to contact HR at the Department of Earth Sciences, [email protected]

Application

You apply via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal.

The application must include the following documents:

• Cover letter with motivation for the application and future plans (max two pages)
• CV, including a complete publication list and conference presentations
• Contact details for two reference persons
• Certificate (copies of degree certificates or certificate from PhD supervisor with expected graduation date)

Application deadline: 2026-07-31

The University actively works for a working environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to the operations. The University applies individual salary setting. According to the National Archives' regulations, the University is required to keep application documents for two years after the appointment decision. If you as an applicant specifically request your documents back, they will be returned when the two years have passed; otherwise, they will be destroyed. To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are sellers: The University of Gothenburg uses a procured advertising agency in connection with staff recruitment. We kindly but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of job advertisements.