When considering options for a PhD research position, Wageningen University in the Netherlands stands out as an exceptional choice. Renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovative approach to addressing global challenges in the fields of agriculture, food, and the environment, Wageningen University offers a stimulating and supportive environment for doctoral candidates. This prestigious institution fosters a collaborative culture, providing access to world-class facilities, expert supervision, and a diverse international community of scholars. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why choosing Wageningen University for your PhD research can open doors to extraordinary opportunities and empower you to make a meaningful impact on society.
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About the PH Research Position in the Netherlands
Are you passionate about clouds? Are you fascinated by deep convection and want to work on a research project to better understand the dynamics in deep convective clouds? Then this position may be the perfect opportunity for you!
Tropical convective clouds are key elements of the hydrological cycle, the exchange of air masses between troposphere and stratosphere, the global circulation, and with this, key elements of the global climate. The total cloud coverage and rainfall of the tropics is dominated by deep convective clouds (and cloud systems). Deep convection provides a fast pathway to transport air masses from the boundary layer through the free troposphere into the tropopause region. The transport from air within the boundary layer to 15 km altitude may take 30 minutes or less. Thus, trace gases, water vapour, and aerosols are redistributed effectively in the atmosphere. Not only updrafts play a role here, but also downdrafts may, for instance, cause stratospheric air to enter the troposphere, which has implications on tropospheric chemistry. Downdrafts are also important for helping to maintain existing convective clouds, triggering new convection, and regulating cloud cover.
Eligibility for the PhD Research Position in the Netherlands
We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student with a background on meteorology/atmospheric sciences for fundamental research on cloud dynamics in deep convective clouds above the Amazon rain forest. In this project, you will analyse observational data from the international aircraft field campaigns ACRIDICON-CHUVA and Cafe Brazil and will furthermore use numerical simulations using the Large Eddy Simulations (LES) code MicroHH. The aim of this project is to better understand the processes governing the characteristics of convective downdrafts, such as timing, location, strength, and their implications on the cloud dynamics.
You will be part of the Meteorology and Air Quality group and in this research project you will collaborate with the scientific partners from the aircraft field campaigns ACRIDICON-CHUVA and Cafe Brazil and the related stimulating activities.
Additional Qualifications
The requirements for PhD research position in the Netherlands are:
- You hold a MSc degree in meteorology/atmospheric science, physics, chemistry, or a related field;
- You show curiosity and enthusiasm for Meteorology and clouds;
- You are experienced in handling large data sets;
- You have prior knowledge in cloud physics, and you enjoy data analysis, performing numerical simulations, and scientific writing;
- You possess very good programming skills (python/R stats, shell scripts, C++ and/or comparable programming experiences) desirable;
- You are an enthusiastic, pleasant, and intrinsically motivated colleague
who takes initiative. - You enjoy being part of a team, 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.
Benefits of the PhD Research Position
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- study leave, and 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,
- 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;
How to Apply
To apply please upload a cover letter (max 1 page) outlining both your motivation and your suitability for the project, and your CV (max 2 pages) including names and contact details of two references.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 12th June 2023. We hope to schedule the first job interviews towards the end of June 2023.
