Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics

Our mission is to advance the scientific knowledge of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere by developing and exploiting expertise in atmospheric physics, instrumentation, analysis and modelling to serve emerging societal needs – such as questions regarding climate change. On the regional level, we closely cooperate with the University of Rostock and are an integral part of the teaching program of the Institute of Physics. Further, we are networked with the research community worldwide. As an institute of the Leibniz Association, we distinguish ourselves as a modern and innovative employer that highly values family friendliness, equality of opportunity and flexibility.

Homepage: https://www.iap-kborn.de/en/home/

At the Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP), a part-time position (75%) in the Department “Modelling of Atmospheric Processes” is available as PhD student, “A ML-based parameterization of ion drag and Joule heating for the ICON model” (f/m/d). The position is offered for three years with a start date as soon as possible. The salary is according to class EG 13 TV-L.

The Department Modelling of Atmospheric Processes focuses on developing the weather and climate model ICON for applications in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). The MLT extends from an altitude of approximately 50 km to a few hundred kilometers. The highly dynamic physical processes in the MLT are driven by solar and magnetospheric forcing from above and by meteorological disturbances from below. The MLT layer is of increasing societal relevance as its weather directly affects the functionality of ground- and space-based communication and navigation systems. In addition, it hosts a growing number of satellites that monitor weather and climate or support critical technologies.

Your Tasks:
The science focus of the advertised PhD project are interactions between charged particles and the neutral atmosphere. Electromagnetic forces induce collisions between plasma and neutral matter, which go along with momentum and heat transfer. The successful candidate will use machine learning methods to infer relevant momentum and temperature tendencies based on information about the neutral atmosphere and additional parameters describing the geomagnetic state of the sun-earth system, with training data from existing fully coupled simulations, and implement a novel parameterization into the ICON model.

Your Qualifications / Experience:

• very good Diploma/Master’s degree in geoscience, physics, mathematics, or a related field
• interest in atmospheric dynamics
• strong background in theory and/or mathematics
• good communication skills, ability to work autonomously and self-responsible
• fluency in English as working language

What we offer:

• an attractive working place near the Baltic Sea
• modern equipment
• engagement in an international work environment
• participation in the company pension scheme (VBL)
• employment relationship in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV-L)
• flexible working hours and mobile working within the framework of the applicable regulations
• family office

Please send your application as one pdf with complete, informative documents, including

• motivational letter
• curriculum vitae
• diploma with indication of final grade
• copy of certificates, possibly testimonies and references

under indication of the keyword: 2024-08

to: personal@iap-kborn.de

Please send applications by August 15, 2024. Applications beyond this date will be considered until the position is filled. Unfortunately, application and travel costs cannot be covered by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. By submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal data for the purpose of the application process.