Postdoctoral Fellow in Emergent Constraints on Climate Sensitivity

Ref. No. SU FV-2563-20

at the Department of Meteorology. Closing date: 10 August 2020.

At the Department of Meteorology (MISU) at Stockholm University we conduct research and education in an international environment within four main areas: Atmospheric physics, Dynamic meteorology, Physical oceanography and Chemical meteorology. In all these areas there is a strong focus on the climate and on processes important for the climate and its development.

The department includes some 75 individuals, of which about 35 are teachers and scientists, 25 PhD students and 15 administrative and technical staff.

The department is part of the Bolin Centre for Climate Research that, together with other departments at the university covers research of most of the important aspects of the climate system and the Swedish e-Science Research Centre (SeRC), where we together with KTH and other universities develop e-Science tools and infrastructure to promote scientific breakthroughs in climate science.

Project description

The position will be associated with the Horizon2020-funded project FORCeS (Constrained aerosol forcing for improved climate projections). FORCeS strives towards reducing the uncertainty in anthropogenic aerosol forcing, which is crucial for determining the actions needed to reach the Paris Agreement. SU is coordinating the project, which is a collaboration between 20 European partners. 

The overarching goal of this post-doc project is to investigate emergent constraints on climate sensitivity, i.e. to use observations to define a plausible range of a measurable quantity that is related to climate sensitivity, thereby providing an indirect constraint on the latter.

A number of emergent constraints have been suggested and discussed in the literature, and in this project a critical and constructive evaluation of the emergent constraint method is called for.

This may include investigation of possible ways of combining emergent constraints in a multi-dimensional analysis, accounting for their potential inter-dependence; contrasting large-scale constraints (like those based on major volcanic eruptions or paleo-climate evidence) with constraints more localized in space and time; refining the applicability of regime-specific emergent constraints by recognizing them as constraints on certain processes, in certain regions, rather than of overall sensitivity; and/or defining new constraints based on knowledge of relevant feedback processes or naturally occurring variability in the climate system.

Applicants are expected to formulate a research plan within the realm given, which at employment will be further discussed and developed in collaboration with the project leaders.

Main responsibilities

The main task is to evaluate, develop and apply emergent constraints of climate sensitivity to current-generation climate models, and assess the implications for near-term climate evolution. The refinement of metrics for ESM evaluation, with the aim of “getting the right answer for the right reason”, is a key component in the evaluation and development of the FORCeS ESMs, and the work will be carried out in close collaboration with other FORCeS partners.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country, in atmospheric physics, meteorology, oceanography, climate science or in a related field.

Assessment criteria

The degree should have been completed no more than three years before the deadline for applications. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances, which may involve sick leave, parental leave, clinical attachment, elected positions in trade unions, or similar.

PhD students are welcome to apply, the degree must be completed by the starting time of the position.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills within the general area of the announced position.

Attention will also be given to the ability to work independently and as part of a group.

An excellent command of written and spoken English is required.

Terms of employment

The position involves full-time employment for a maximum of two years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Starting date in October 2020, or as per agreement.

Current conditions may require some of the work to be performed remotely.

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

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Frida Bender, frida@misu.su.se, and Annica Ekman, annica@misu.su.se.

Union representatives

Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter (maximum 1 page) why you are interested in and what makes you suitable for the project in question
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Research proposal (maximum 1 page) describing how you wish to complete the project
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files)

The instructions for applicants are available at: Instructions – Applicants.

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Closing date: 10/08/2020