Phd Position On The Atmospheric Dynamics of Seasonal Transitions

Atmospheric science and climate change assessments often focus on winter and summer. In this fully funded PhD position you will instead study the weather of spring and autumn. Your aim is to improve our understanding of (the physics of) the transition seasons, by looking at the atmosphere as a dynamical system in perpetual adjustment to the annual cycle of incoming solar radiation.

**Your job**:
In this PhD position, you will conduct idealised experiments with an atmospheric model (OpenIFS), using concepts from the mathematical field of periodically forced dynamical systems. You will gain insights into the time scales, strength, and interactions of different processes in the Earth system that play a role. You will investigate the observed annual cycle including interannual variations and study the influence of climate. Your time will be shared between the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). The mathematics institute CWI is involved in the project as well.

**Your qualities**:

- You have a MSc in meteorology, climate science, mathematics, physics, or a related field.
- You have affinity with numerical modelling, preferably atmospheric modelling or climate modelling, and mathematical theory of dynamical systems.
- You have experience in programming and handling large (climatological) datasets.
- You are interested in the fundamental physical processes in Earth’s atmosphere and climate change;
- You are a team player.
- You have excellent English oral and writing skills and willingness to learn Dutch.

**Our offer**:

- A position for 1 year, with an extension to a total of 4 years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
- a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
- a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

**About us**:
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The department and its facilities are located at Utrecht Science Park. Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands with a population of nearly 360,000 and forms a hub in the middle of the country. Its historical city centre and its modern central station can easily be reached from the Science Park by public transport or by a 15-minute bicycle ride. Utrecht boasts beautiful canals with extraordinary wharf cellars housing cafés and terraces by the water, as well as a broad variety of shops and boutiques.

You will also spend time at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). KNMI, located in De Bilt (near Utrecht), is the national research and information center for meteorology, climate and seismology. KNMI contributes 24/7 to a safe and livable Netherlands by providing society with independent knowledge, advice and warnings about risks in the field of weather, climate and seismology. Within its R&D department of weather and climate models, the Regional Climate cluster focuses on understanding the physical processes that govern local, regional and global climate, and climate change. You will join a lively team, with expertise in different aspects of climate modelling, atmospheric processes and climate change. It is envisioned that the results of the PhD project will directly contribute to KNMI climate services and the next generation of the Nation