The research group Theory of Atmospheric Dynamics and Climate at the Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences of the Goethe University in the city of Frankfurt (https://frankfurt.de/english/about-frankfurt) invites applications for a  

Research Assistant (m/f/d) 
PhD Student position 
(E13 TV-G-U, 75%) 

to be filled no later than Dec 1st 2024 for three years. It will be embedded into the DFG-CRC 181 (https://www.trr-energytransfers.de/) „Energy Transfers in Atmosphere and Ocean“. The position includes a moderate participation in teaching. The salary grade is based on the job characteristics of the collective agreement (TV-G-U) applicable to the Goethe University. 

Within CRC 181 the understanding of the energetic coupling of various processes in the atmosphere and their influences on climate and its variability is to be improved. The advertised position is part of sub-project W1:

„Gravity-Wave Parameterization for the Atmosphere“

Project leaders: Prof. Ulrich Achatz (Goethe-Universität Frankfurt), in collaboration with Prof. Carsten Eden (Universität Hamburg) and Prof. Gerd Baumgarten (Leibniz-Institut für Atmosphärenphysik an der Universität Rostock).

The aim of subproject W1 is to establish an energetically consistent approach for the formulation of a gravity wave parameterization in atmospheric models. It represents the key role of gravity waves in the atmospheric energy cycle through their energetic coupling to both the resolved flow and small-scale turbulence. Furthermore, an energetically consistent gravity wave parameterization helps us to better understand the role of these waves in the climate system. Subproject W1 develops parameterizations of varying complexity and efficiency and validates them against observations and process-resolving simulations. Among these, MS-GWaM in the climate and weather model ICON-a is the first and so far only parameterization that takes into account both transient interactions of gravity waves and the effect of their horizontal propagation. These effects have a significant influence on climate variability. 

The research focus of the advertised position is the coupled dynamics of gravity waves and turbulence. This is to be described in process-resolving simulations and theoretically captured using methods of multiscale asymptotics to such an extent that a closed and energetically consistent parameterization of gravity waves and turbulence becomes possible.

Information on the research group where the position will be located can be found at http://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/45681958/Theory-of-Atmospheric-Dynamics-and-Climate. Its focus is on scale interactions in atmospheric dynamics, applied e.g. to large-scale low-frequency variability or gravity-wave dynamics. Middle-atmosphere dynamics is another field of work. Methods employed are e.g. multi-scale asymptotics, stochastics, and numerical simulations. Inquiries should be addressed to Prof. Ulrich Achatz (achatz@iau.uni-frankfurt.de). 

The DFG-CRC 181 offers a comprehensive and structured training for early career researchers. In addition to self-organised activities such as workshops, trainings and a guest program, the successful candidate will have the opportunity, if desired, to pursue international research visits. The consortium conducts an ambitious program to gradually enhance gender equality on all career levels.
 
Requirements:

Applicants should have a very good diploma/Master’s degree in meteorology, physics or a related field. Interest in atmospheric dynamics and a strong background in theory and/or mathematics are expected as well.

Applications and deadline:

Please send applications as one single pdf file to achatz@iau.uni-frankfurt.de, including (i) a letter of motivation, (ii) a CV, and (iii) copies of all relevant certificates, by June 26th 2024. Applications beyond this date will be considered until the position has been filled. For further information, please contact achatz@iau.uni-frankfurt.de. 

We look forward to your application!