PhD position in middle atmospheric dynamics
Leipzig University, Germany
Closing date: 30 March 2023
The Institute for Meteorology of Leipzig University seeks a Ph.D. student supervised by Dr. Khalil Karami and Prof. Christoph Jacobi to work on the ENRICH project (The causes and consequences of extraordinarily strong stratospheric polar vortices and the associated ozone holes: from seasonal to long-term effects). The German Research Foundation (DFG) funded the project for 36 months (Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L-75% ) and is available from May 1st, 2023.
Job description
The project aims to investigate the causes and consequences of exceptionally cold and stable Arctic polar vortices and their associated ozone holes during winter/spring 2011 and 2020. The project will use the ICON (ICOsahedral Non-hydrostatic model) atmospheric model in conjunction with the ART module (Aerosols and Reactive Trace gases) with different simulation setups (time-slice experiments, interactive and non-interactive stratospheric chemistry, with and without ozone-depleting substances ). In addition, extensive use of complementary data is planned: CMIP6 model simulations, reanalysis data (ERA5 and MERRA), and GPS radio occultation observations (COSMIC, COSMIC-2a, and CHAMP).
The objectives of the project can be summarized in the following research questions:
(1) To what extend has climate change contributed to the formation of exceptionally strong polar vortices and associated ozone holes in winter/spring 2011 and 2020?. What is the fate of such extreme events under climate change?
(2) What would have happened to ENRICH-like events under future climate projections, in the coming decades, if the negotiation and ratification of the Montreal Protocol had not been implemented (World Avoided scenario)?
(3) What are the relative contributions of dynamical (balanced (Rossby) mode versus inertia-gravity mode) forcing versus chemical/thermodynamic changes in the formation of the extreme polar vortices in a present and future climate?
(4) What are the consequences of such extreme stratospheric situations (strong polar vortex and low/depleted ozone in the NH) for tropospheric weather?
Requirements
Strong programming experience and experience with UNIX/Linux-based computer environments are essential. Experience in running atmospheric/climate models would be an advantage for the candidate. Good written and spoken English skills are also desirable. A completed Master’s degree in meteorology, physics, mathematics, or a related field is necessary.
Interested candidates should send their applications, including a letter of motivation, Bsc and Msc transcripts, a CV, and contact information of up to two referees as a single PDF to Dr. Khalil Karami at khalil.karami@uni-leipzig.de by March 30. Leipzig University aims to increase the proportion of women in science and therefore invites qualified women to apply for the position.
If you have any question please contact Dr. Khalil Karami at: khalil.karami@uni-leipzig.de