Postdoc in Marine Cloud Brightening

The Department of Meteorology at Stockholm University (MISU) conducts research and teaching spanning the atmosphere, the 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 regarding the dynamic, physical, chemical, and biogeochemical properties of the atmosphere and the oceans that are relevant to weather and climate. The research activities are broad and include processes extending from the deep sea 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 ground-based instruments.

MISU is part of a larger research environment at the university, including the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Baltic Sea Centre, and Swedish e-Science Research Centre. The department is an international workplace, and more than half of the employees have a background from outside Sweden. More information about us can be found on the Department of Meteorology's website.

Project Description

Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) is a method for intentional climate intervention to temporarily mitigate ongoing warming. The method involves making clouds more reflective and thus more cooling by supplying salt particles. Although it is known that more particles (aerosols) result in more and smaller cloud droplets, which in turn results in more reflection, the interactions between clouds and aerosols are subject to significant uncertainties.

To realistically evaluate MCB and its possibilities and risks, better fundamental knowledge is therefore needed regarding 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, such as when 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 socio-political aspects of MCB to enable a comprehensive assessment of its feasibility.

Tasks

You will primarily work with global climate modeling and the analysis of satellite data to evaluate to what extent natural experiments and model simulations can provide knowledge about intentional climate manipulation, and to map the risks and opportunities of various conceivable implementation strategies against different climate change scenarios. Scientific questions, the formulation of simulations, and the 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 regarding analysis and research questions, and you will be part of a research group where you will also have the opportunity to contribute to doctoral supervision.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for employment as a postdoc, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed to correspond to a relevant doctoral degree is required. The degree must be awarded no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment Criteria

It is meritorious if the doctoral degree or equivalent was awarded no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an earlier degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade unions, service within the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

The doctoral degree must be in meteorology, atmospheric science, oceanography, or another relevant subject. Upon appointment, particular weight will be attached to scientific proficiency within the field of employment. Furthermore, analytical ability, creativity, initiative, independence, and ability to cooperate will be considered. Applicants are also expected to have excellent oral and written skills in English.

About the Employment

The employment is intended to be full-time and is ongoing, however, for at least two years and at most three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Commencement 2027-01-01 or as agreed.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Information regarding the employment is provided by Professor Frida Bender, frida.bender@misu.su.se.

Information regarding the recruitment process and terms of employment is provided by Administrative Manager, Sara Engström sara.engstrom@misu.su.se.

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university no later than the application deadline.

We request that you, as an applicant, refrain from submitting a completely AI-generated application.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the webpage: applying for a position.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.