Postdoc Measuring and Simulating Low Clouds

Job description

The project:

Earth’s dominant cloud type per area covered is Stratocumulus. These low-level, shallow, horizontally extensive clouds cover one-fifth of the Earth’s surface. Changes in cloud cover may amplify rather than mitigate global warming but the magnitude of this is highly uncertain. One of the greatest challenges in climate science is to predict how clouds in general, and stratocumulus in particular, will change in a warming world.

As part of TurPhyCloud, an EU-funded ERC Synergy Project, you are part of an international team that will deliver novel high-resolution in-situ measurements using advanced instruments mounted on drones and on a

helikite. Two field campaigns will take place at Utö Atmospheric and Marine Research Station in the Baltic Sea area. The measurements will capture the full complexity of processes in midlatitude stratocumulus. These will range from the kilometre scale down to micrometre scale at which turbulence influences the rate at which cloud droplets collide, condense and evaporate.

Guided by the results from the field campaigns, a new Microphysics Informed Large-Eddy-Simulation (MiLES) model will be developed. The tested and verified MiLES will be embedded in operational weather and climate models. Combining the unique stratocumulus measurements at Utö and the realistic simulations from the MiLES model, the project aims to develop major advances in our understanding of how cloud-microphysical processes in stratocumulus interact with radiation and turbulence.

Working style and research environment:

You will join the Geoscience & Remote Sensing department (GRS) working closely with PhD researchers, postdocs, and professors in an open and collaborative environment, where you will receive full support and training to grow in your career. This project is a collaboration between TU Delft and partner institutes in Germany, Sweden and Finland, thus offering the chance to work with leading experts in clouds and climate science. Regular seminars, meetings and conferences bring together a vibrant community of cloud researchers encouraging close scientific collaboration with within the TurPhyCloud Consortium.

Job requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic PostDoc candidate to join the ERC Synergy Project TurPhyCloud, who will work on the interface between the atmospheric measurements, simulation strategies and analyses. You will co-develop the measurement and simulation strategies during the field campaigns, co-design the data management, but above all, analyse the measurement and simulation results to improve the understanding of microphysics-turbulence-radiation interactions in stratocumulus clouds.

As a PostDoc candidate you hold a PhD degree. As a suitable candidate, you may come from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, Climate Science, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science. You have a solid background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and be proficient in programming (e.g., Python, Fortran, or C++) and visualization tools. You have experience with in-situ and remote sensing measurements of atmospheric turbulence and cloud microphysics. Experience with simulation tools, such as RANS or LES models, is highly desirable.

You possess strong analytical skills, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. Fluency in English (both written and oral) is required, as you will be expected to present your findings through peer-reviewed publications and at international project meetings and scientific conferences.

The position will regularly interact with other project members both at Delft and outside, therefore skills in teamwork and communication are a plus. We value an inclusive and collaborative environment and look for applicants who share these values. As part of your duties you will actively participate in teaching activities.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 3 years. Temporary external finance.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy please contact Pier Siebesma (a.p.siebesma@tudelft) or Stephan de Roode (s.r.deroode@tudelft.nl).

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 28 September 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A motivation letter ( max 800 words) outlining your interest in pursuing a Postdoc position and your interest for this particular project.
• An up to date curriculum vitae including, if available, a link to your PhD-thesis.
• If the applicants are selected for an interview, they will be asked to provide contact details of at least two referees for feedback, with their consent.

You can address your application to Pier Siebesma.

Please note:

• #EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named TurPhyCloud, with project number 101225004, within program H2020 /ERC
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.