PhD position "Stochastic parameterization of atmospheric convection" at CWI

A PhD position on "Stochastic parameterization of atmospheric convection" is available at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) in Amsterdam.

Atmospheric convection and cloud formation are crucial processes in the hydrological cycle of our climate system. Because of the small spatial scales of these processes, they cannot be modeled explicitly in large scale climate models. Instead, these unresolved subgrid processes are represented in a simplified statistical manner, so-called parameterizations.

Stochastic parameterization is an exciting new topic at the intersection of applied mathematics and climate science. Because of the shortcomings of currently used, deterministic parameterizations and the pivotal role of clouds and convection in climate change uncertainties, stochastic methods for convection parameterization have become a hot research theme in recent years.

In this project we will develop a stochastic approach to convection parameterization, combining new mathematical ideas on hybrid stochastic-deterministic models and multiscale systems with results from Large Eddy Simulation of atmospheric moist convection. The overall goal is to formulate a stochastic parameterization scheme that is suitable for practical use in climate models, and to evaluate the impact of such a scheme on cloud-climate feedbacks. The PhD student will be part of a multidisciplinary team involving researchers from CWI, KNMI and TU Delft. The project is part of the NWO-funded program "Feedbacks in the Climate System".

We are looking for a candidate with a masters degree in (applied) mathematics, atmosphere-ocean science, (theoretical) physics, or similar. Knowledge of stochastics, numerical methods, atmospheric physics, fluid dynamics and Large Eddy Simulation is an asset, as is experience with programming and using Matlab. The terms and salary of this 4-year position are in accordance with the "CAO-onderzoekinstellingen" (see http://www.wvoi.nl).

Interested candidates should contact dr. Daan Crommelin (tel. 020-5924194, email Daan.Crommelin@cwi.nl) or prof.dr. Pier Siebesma (tel. 030-2206760, email siebesma@knmi.nl) for more information. To apply, please send a CV, a letter of motivation and contact details of at least one reference by email before 1 April 2010.