University Assistant (post doc) at the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics

The University of Vienna (20 faculties and centres, 178 fields of study, approx. 9.800 members of staff, about 90.000 students) seeks to fill the position from 01.04.2021 of a


Reference number: 11597

We are looking for a postdoctoral scientist in cloud-circulation coupling and its role in the climate system to join the new research group of Prof. Aiko Voigt at the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics.

We are pursuing fundamental research in climate dynamics, with a focus on the role of clouds and their coupling with the atmospheric circulation. We study this coupling in a broad range of contexts that include extratropical storm tracks, tropical rain belts, and extreme climates such as Snowball Earth. To this end, we develop, apply and analyze model hierarchies and ensembles, which we combine with observational and theoretical perspectives. Our main modeling tool is the new unified climate and weather model ICON. We are also active in public outreach.

The postdoctoral scientist is expected to develop and, at a later stage, lead a research programme on cloud-circulation coupling in cooperation with the group leader Aiko Voigt. The details of the research programme are flexible and can reflect the expertise and interest of the candidate. Possible topics include the
• Role of high-level clouds in determining the regional response to global climate change,
• Impact of clouds on extratropical weather systems such as cyclones,
• Role of cloud processes in setting tropical rainfall, and
• Advancement of modeling capabilities to understand the impact of clouds on the atmospheric circulation on weather and climate time scales.

It is envisioned that the research programme will harness the emerging possibilities of exascale computing and storm-resolving climate models, and will build upon the growing interactions between the climate and weather communities. The programme can also involve a close link to data science.

The Department of Meteorology and Geophysics over the last year has filled three new professorships. Together with the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy, the University of Vienna and Vienna's wider research environment, this creates ample possibilities for collaborations and career development.

The position is targeted for a candidate who strives to develop into a leading figure in climate science. The envisioned start date is spring 2021, but there is flexibility to accommodate the needs of the successful candidate.



Duration of employment: 6 year/s

Extent of Employment: 40.0 hours/week
Job grading in accordance with collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) with relevant work experience determining the assignment to a particular salary grade.

Job Description:
Participation in research, teaching and administration; in particular:
• Advance understanding of cloud-circulation-coupling and its role for climate and weather
• Prepare, perform and analyze model simulations in a range of setups using high-performance computers
• Disseminate results through high quality peer-review publications and presentations at conferences
• (Contribute to) Project applications and acquisition of third-party funding
• (Contribute to) Teaching as defined by the collective agreement
• Student supervision
• Scientific and technical support of group members
• Involvement in the department administration as well as in teaching and research administration
• Active contributions to the vibrant intellectual culture of the department

Profile:
• A PhD / Doctoral degree in climate science, atmospheric sciences, meteorology or a related field
• Experience in running climate models or numerical weather prediction models on high-performance computers
• Experience in programming and data analysis (e.g., Fortran, Python)
• Excellent (written and spoken) communication skills in English
• Potential and ambition to plan and conduct independent research that leads to measurable results and that aims to be at the forefront of climate science
• Interest in working in a diverse international team
• Creativity and curiosity, as well as the ability to work towards deadlines

Furthermore, the following skills will be an asset:

• Experience with the ICON model or similar unified models, including modifying their source code and setup to meet specific science needs

• Knowledge of clouds and radiative processes, atmospheric dynamics and/or coupled climate dynamics



Your application should be a single PDF file that includes:

• A letter of motivation outlining your interest in the position, your research interests and your longer-term career plan (max 2 pages)

• A curriculum vitae including a list of publications, presentations and teaching experience (if applicable)

• Contact information of two references

• Degree certificates

Applications submitted by 15 Feb 2021 will receive full consideration, but the search process will continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries about the scientific aspects of the position should be directed to Aiko Voigt (aiko.voigt@univie.ac.at). Inquiries about the formal procedure of the application should be directed to Stefanie Weinberger, +43-1-4277-537 09.


Research fields:

Main research field	Special research fields	Importance
Meteorology, Climatology	Meteorology;Climatology	SHOULD

Applications including a letter of motivation (German or English) should be submitted via the Job Center to the University of Vienna ( http://jobcenter.univie.ac.at) no later than 15.02.2021, mentioning reference number 11597.

For further information please contact Weinberger, Stefanie +43-1-4277-53709, Voigt, Aiko +43-1-4277-53740.

The University pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity ( http://diversity.univie.ac.at/). The University lays special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants.

Human Resources and Gender Equality of the University of Vienna
Reference number: 11597
E-Mail: jobcenter@univie.ac.at
Privacy Policy of the University of Vienna