PhD position in the field of aerosol-cloud processes
Stockholm University, Sweden
Closing date: 3 November 2023
Aerosol particles and their interactions with clouds are still a major contributor to the uncertainties when estimating the anthropogenic impact on Earth climate. Human influence on atmospheric aerosol loadings are likely to result in perturbations in the extent and properties of clouds. This effect is still poorly understood. The microphysical properties and chemical composition of aerosol particles, and their interaction with water vapour and meteorology represent a complex system with multiple simultaneous interactions. Understanding this complex system and using this knowledge to improve predictions of future climate, is one of the major challenges in atmospheric science.
This PhD project aims to improve our understanding of aerosol-cloud processes by using observations, and by providing input and data to model development. The successful candidate will analyse recently collected, state-of-the-art observations of aerosols and clouds from the Swedish-lead expedition ARTofMELT2023 (www.su.se/artofmelt). Further, the candidate will collect field data on an international field campaign planned in 2024 or 2025 in Greece.
The specific goals of this PhD project will be to: 1) measure, analyse and interpret data on aerosol and cloud microphysical and chemical properties; and 2) contribute to the improvement of theoretical and numerical models describing cloud formation, aerosol dynamics and eventually the climate system by providing the needed experimental input.
The PhD project will be part of the Horizon Europe project CleanCloud (start beginning of 2024). The overall goal of CleanCloud is to enhance our knowledge on aerosol-cloud-interactions and improve their representation in climate models, quantifying their impacts on weather and climate, and thus societies. As part of CleanCloud, the PhD student will join a vivid international research community.