PhD position: 'from drop to rain - turbulence matters' at the Environmental Sciences Group of Wageningen University

Precipitation is one of the main variables in weather, climate, and hydrology; and a realistic forecast relevant for instance for prediction of rain extremes and freshwater availability. However, the urgent improvement of precipitation forecasts is hampered as major gaps in understanding and modelling precipitation remain. Warm clouds, i.e. clouds with cloud top temperatures higher than 0 �C, are responsible for more than 30% of the total rain on Earth. Observations show that from cloud formation to the onset of rain it takes less than 30 minutes, thus droplets need to grow fast. In order to explain droplet growth to reach raindrop size (a) the process of collision and coalescence - when two droplets collide and merge to form one larger drop - is needed. Secondly, it should be linked with turbulence (b), which speeds up the growth process to match the short time frames as observed in nature. While theoretical and modelling studies try to quantify the collision and coalescence process and the impact of turbulence therein, direct observational evidence is missing.

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate with a background in meteorology/atmospheric sciences, for fundamental research on cloud droplet dynamics in turbulent environments. In this project, you will use the Turbulent Leipzig Aerosol Cloud Interaction Simulator (LACIS-T), a unique turbulent moist-air wind tunnel, which will provide direct measurements of droplet collision and coalescence under different meteorological conditions. You will combine the measurements with highly resolved simulations using computational fluid dynamics (using the OpenFOAM software package), to quantify the collision and coalescence process in turbulent environments, providing the basis to understand fast rain formation. The results will enable us to improve the microphysical parametrisations in weather and climate forecast models, and thus, help to improve cloud and rain forecasts.

You will work here
You will be part of the Meteorology and Air Quality group of Wageningen University and Research, and its Cloud-Convection-Radiation group. In this research project you will collaborate with the scientific partners from the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) in Leipzig, Germany.

Requirements:

You are / You have :

• a MSc degree in meteorology/atmospheric science, physics, environmental or mechanical engineering or a related field;
• curiosity and enthusiasm for clouds and cloud physics, and you enjoy data analysis, performing numerical simulations, and scientific writing;
• very good programming skills (python/R stats, shell scripts, C++ and/or comparable programming experiences) or are willing to obtain these;
• willing and able to travel for longer periods (several weeks) for measurement campaigns;
• an enthusiastic, pleasant, and intrinsically motivated colleague who takes initiative;
• a team player and also have the ability to work efficiently independently.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here

Salary Benefits:

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 2.872 per month rising to € 3.670, in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

38 hours per week

Droevendaalsesteeg