Doctoral student in Atmospheric Physics and Environmental Modelling Full-time NEW

Doctoral Student in Atmospheric Physics and Environmental Modelling

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Research and education at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (MGeo) addresses fundamental and applied questions on the Earth's past, present and future climate and environment, including people's interactions with the natural world and consequences for human wellbeing. MGeo advances and deploys cutting-edge methods, models and technologies in environmental science, quaternary sciences, bedrock geology, paleontology, physical geography, biodiversity and ecosystem science, remote sensing, Geographic Information Science (GIS), and computational science for health and environment, to study processes spanning from the microscopic to the planetary, across all time scales.

We offer a fully funded 4-year PhD position in our international team. The PhD project will be carried out in close collaboration between Lund University (LU, main supervisor Prof Natascha Kljun, Dept of Earth and Environmental Sciences and co-supervisor Dr Pontus Roldin, Dept of Physics) and Linköping University (LiU, co-supervisor Prof Fredrik Lindsten, Dept of Computer and Information Science). The project will employ one PhD student at LU, and one at LiU.

At LU, you will become part of a team working on greenhouse gas modelling and measurements in Europe and beyond. You will have the chance to join the MERGE and ELLIIT research communities. The position offers further national and international collaboration with scientists at the Technical University of Munich and the Universities of Freiburg, Innsbruck, Helsinki, and Gothenburg. Together with the home institution, this interdisciplinary team covers expertise in atmospheric dynamics, inverse modelling techniques, Large Eddy Simulation, flux measurements, ecosystem, aerosol and climate modelling and emission inventories, and machine learning.

Being a doctoral student

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at LU (100%).

You will be trained in a scientific approach, to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

Subject and project description

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to improve modelling and forecasting of greenhouse gas emissions of European cities to support their efforts in emission reductions.

The main goal of this project is to extend, evaluate and apply the existing and widely used flux footprint model FFP (Kljun et al. 2015) in the urban landscape. Footprint models allocate the extent and location of sources or sinks of greenhouse gases measured at the surface, on tall towers, or on drones. Current footprint models are not valid for complex environments. Under guidance of experts, you will fill this gap and develop the first fast footprint model applicable to urban landscapes and other complex terrain.

You will be enrolled in the doctoral programme in Environmental Science (Syllabus) and have also the opportunity to become part of the graduate schools ClimBEco and/or Compute

Work duties

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral education, mainly consisting of writing a doctoral thesis. In addition, you are expected to:

• Carry out research within the subject area
• Publish results in high-quality journals
• Attend project meetings at LU and LiU, including research visits at LiU
• Actively contribute to the collaborative environment within ELLIIT
• Present results at national and international conferences

In addition to studies, a maximum of 20% of working time may be spent on teaching and other departmental work.

Qualifications

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Environmental Science if the applicant has completed an independent work (e.g. degree project) in a relevant subject comprising at least 30 higher education credits.

The special qualification may also have been obtained through other equivalent education, which is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Qualifications other than the applicant's subject-specific competence in environmental science may be taken into account.

Additional requirements

The following is also required:

• University degree (MSc or equivalent) in a natural science or engineering subject, specifically computational sciences, physics, atmospheric sciences, or similar
• Excellent numeric and analytical problem-solving skills, and experience with programming languages (Matlab, Python, Fortran) and geoscience tools (e.g. ArcGIS)
• Excellent knowledge about the atmosphere, including atmospheric fluid dynamics, atmospheric boundary layer meteorology, as well as in modelling of relevant processes (e.g. dispersion modelling)
• Proficiency in both oral and written English, very good communication skills

Merit

• Competence in mathematical statistics, quantitative modelling, and machine learning approaches
• Interdisciplinary study background e.g. knowledge of the drivers and impacts of climate change

Assessment criteria

The selection of eligible applicants will consider the ability to benefit from the training based on the following criteria:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the PhD project and the subject of study (see requirements above)
• Demonstrated ability to tackle complex research problems and to work in a team but also independently, and to complete activities on time
• Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through their experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

See here for more details.

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment, starting 15 August 2026 or as agreed. Third cycle studies at Lund University consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

See also More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University's Staffpages.

Eligibility

Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad. The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.Third cycle studies at Lund University consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

See also More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University's Staffpages.

How to apply

The application should be written in English. You must attach:

• CV
• Personal letter (2 pages) with a justification of why you are interested in the training place/employment and in what way the research project matches your interests and your educational background.
• Copies of