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The Department of Earth Sciences conducts interdisciplinary research spanning the land, oceans, and atmosphere. We investigate Earth systems, human–environment interactions, and their impacts to address global sustainability challenges. The department has strong expertise in advanced research tools, including remote sensing, climate modelling, isotope analysis, and geographic information systems.
Subject area
Regional climate dynamics
Subject area description
The subject refers to the study of dynamic processes governing regional climate variability across different climate regimes. It focuses on the mechanisms linking large-scale atmospheric circulation, mesoscale processes, and local feedbacks that shape precipitation, storms, and hydroclimatic events.
A particular strategic emphasis is placed on understanding regional climate dynamics and extreme events in high-mountain and monsoon-affected 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 modelling across spatial scales and regions is considered highly meritorious. The primary criterion for the position is scientific excellence, and researchers with outstanding documented merit within regional climate dynamics are encouraged to apply.
Duties
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-driven changes in local dynamical and thermodynamical processes, large-scale moisture transport, and atmospheric circulation, and how these changes influence the characteristics of mesoscale convective systems (MCS).
The work includes analysis of observational datasets and reanalysis datasets to characterize MCS occurrence and associated large-scale drivers. High-resolution atmospheric modelling (e.g., WRF) will be employed to investigate selected case studies and to quantify the influence of monsoon variability on MCSs. The project further involves dynamical downscaling using 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, and to collaborate closely with project partners. The successful applicant will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively, and may co-supervise MSc or BSc students.
Eligibility
To be eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher, the applicant must have obtained a doctoral degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, climate science, or a closely related field before the start of the position. Applicants who have not obtained their PhD at the time of the application submission must attach a letter from their supervisor who can confirm the date of defense. The doctoral degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the closing date for applications, unless special circumstances apply.
Applicants who obtained their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.
Assessment criteria
- Background in atmospheric sciences or climate-related field.
- Experience in analysing atmospheric processes relevant to clouds, monsoon circulation, and/or climate variability.
- Experience working with reanalysis datasets and large observational datasets.
- Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Fortran, or similar).
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English.
Meritorious
- Demonstrated experience in numerical atmospheric modelling (e.g., WRF or comparable regional climate models).
- Experience with high-resolution or convection-permitting simulations.
- Experience working with HPC environments.
- A strong publication record related to the Asian summer monsoon, extreme precipitation, and/or the Tibetan Plateau.
- Experience in international research collaborations.
You are highly motivated, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The applicant is expected to contribute actively to the research profile of the project. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and the ability to collaborate within an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Employment
The position is a fixed-term employment of two years*, 100 %, full-time, and is placed at the Department of Earth Sciences.
The starting date is 2026-10-01, or upon agreement.
*Employment may be extended if necessary to achieve the purpose of the employment, but the total period of employment may not exceed three years.
Contact information
Hans Linderholm, Head of Department
Email: [email protected]
Hui-Wen Lai, Project leader
Email: [email protected]
If you have any questions about the employment process, please contact HR at the Department of Earth Sciences, [email protected]
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position
Application
Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
Submit the following documents:
- A cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application and and future plans (max two pages)
- CV, including a complete list of publications and conference talks,
- Contact details for two reference persons,
- Certificates (copies of degree certificates, or a letter from the PhD supervisor indicating the expected graduation date)
Applications must be received by: 2026-07-31
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
