Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Cloud Brightening

Stockholms Universitet · Vollzeit

Meteorologiska institutionen (MISU), Stockholm, Schweden

The Department of Meteorology at Stockholm University (MISU) conducts research and education spanning the atmosphere, ocean, and physics-based climate science. We offer educational programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Our research seeks answers to fundamental questions about the dynamic, physical, chemical, and biogeochemical properties of the atmosphere and oceans that are relevant to weather and climate. Research activities are broad and encompass processes ranging from the deep ocean to the upper atmosphere, and from the tropics to the poles. We utilize and develop theory, statistical methods, and numerical models in close interaction with observations. Additionally, the department develops and leads observation-based research supported by satellites, Arctic icebreaker expeditions, and land-based instruments. MISU is part of a larger research environment at the university, including the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, the Baltic Centre, and the Swedish e-Science Research Centre. The department is an international workplace, and more than half of the staff have a background outside Sweden. More information about us is available on the Department of Meteorology's website. Project Description Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) is a method for intentional climate intervention to temporarily dampen ongoing warming. The method involves making clouds more reflective and thus more cooling by introducing salt particles. Although it is known that more particles (aerosols) produce more and smaller cloud droplets, which in turn produces more reflection, interactions between clouds and aerosols are associated with large uncertainties. To realistically evaluate MCB and its opportunities and risks, better fundamental knowledge is needed about how aerosols affect cloud properties, and how this in turn affects radiation, temperature, and circulation. At the same time, it is necessary to consider ethical and societal perspectives on MCB as a form of climate manipulation, including weighing benefits against risks, as these are both uncertain and unevenly distributed between nations and generations. This project is interdisciplinary and examines the physical, ethical, and sociopolitical aspects of MCB to enable a comprehensive assessment of its feasibility. Responsibilities You will work primarily with global climate modeling and satellite data analysis to evaluate the extent to which natural experiments and model simulations can provide knowledge about intentional climate manipulation, and to map risks and opportunities with different possible implementation strategies against different climate change scenarios. Scientific questions, simulation formulation, and analysis of results will be guided by questions of ethics and governance. The work will take place in collaboration with researchers in philosophy and political science who are also involved in the project. Within the framework of the project, you are expected to take your own initiatives in analysis and research questions, and you will be part of a research group where you will also have the opportunity to contribute to doctoral student supervision. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a completed doctoral degree or foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a relevant doctoral degree is required. The degree must be completed no later than when the employment decision is made. Evaluation Criteria It is meritorious if the doctoral degree or equivalent was completed at most three years before the final application deadline. If there are special reasons, an earlier completed degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within union organizations, service in the armed forces, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area. The doctoral degree must be completed in meteorology, atmospheric science, oceanography, or another relevant subject. In the appointment, particular weight will be given to scientific expertise in the area of employment. Additionally, analytical ability, creativity, initiative, independence, and collaboration skills will be considered. Applicants are furthermore expected to have excellent oral and written proficiency in English. About the Employment The employment is full-time and is permanent, but at least two years and at most three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date January 1, 2027, or by agreement. Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all. Contact Information about the employment is provided by Professor Frida Bender, [email protected]. Information about the recruitment process and employment terms is provided by Administrative Manager Sara Engström [email protected]. Application You apply for the position through Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV along with any attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and submitted to the university no later than the final application deadline. We ask that you as an applicant refrain from submitting a completely AI-generated application. Instructions for applicants are available on the website: Applying for a position. 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