This fellowship in joint inversion and assimilation of infrared and microwave radiances is placed at the Division of Geoscience and Remote Sensing at Chalmers University of Technology (Gothenburg, Sweden). We are now inviting applications from suitably qualified scientists from EUMETSAT’s member states.
Microwave all-sky assimilation is a proven concept today, while infrared correspondence is in early development. Climate ice cloud products show a reversed situation; multiple examples based on infrared measurements exist, while passive microwave data, at best, provide background information. There are several reasons for this situation, but already differences in terminology and assumptions on particle sizes and shapes made for the two wavelength regions hamper the progress. This project aims to establish a common ground, particularly to develop and apply particle model parametrisations that allows joint treatment of infrared and microwave radiances. The launches of the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS, 2024) and the Ice Cloud Imager (ICI, 2025) give urgency to the project, but also result in that completely new data will be at hand for constraining particle models. The project will be performed in collaboration with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), ECMWF and EUMETSAT.
Duties
- Assess the different assumptions and approaches presently used in the infrared and microwave radiative transfer, by comparing observed and simulated observations using the ARTS (Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Simulator) research tool.
- Based on the findings, develop particle model parametrisations for different cloud regimes, suitable to reach the project’s objectives.
- Take part in incorporating new models into cloud retrievals made at Chalmers and SMHI, as well as supporting ECMWF to add the models into the operational RTTOV-SCATT observation operator.
- The fellow should have a university degree in physics, mathematics, meteorology, remote sensing, or equivalent, and relevant research experience, including PhD or at the level thereof.
- Experience in microwave and/or infrared, all-sky, radiative transfer will be emphasised.
- Knowledge in one or more of the following areas would also be an advantage: retrievals, data assimilation, numerical weather forecasting and cloud physics.
- Strong computing skills will be a significant asset. This includes good and proven practical knowledge of programming languages (particularly C/C++ and Python), as well as experience with performing scientific simulations, and their evaluation.
- The ability to work as part of a team, a high level of commitment and interest in continuing development and training is required.
- Candidates must be able to work effectively in English, both verbally and written.
Employment Conditions
The fellowship is offered for one year, with possibility of extension for up to two additional years. The salary is about €4000 per month (gross). The social fee paid be every Swedish employer provides general, broad social benefits so that for example private health insurance is not needed. As a Chalmers employee, there are additional benefits, see https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/chalmers-as-an-employer/benefits-and-conditions/
EUMETSAT is committed to providing an equal opportunities work environment for men and women.
Please note that only nationals of EUMETSAT Member States may apply. The EUMETSAT Convention requires that Staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, account being taken of the international character of EUMETSAT.
About EUMETSAT
EUMETSAT is Europe’s meteorological satellite agency. Its role is to establish and operate meteorological satellites to monitor the weather and climate from space - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This information is supplied to the National Meteorological Services of the organisation's Member States in Europe, as well as other users worldwide.
EUMETSAT also operates several Copernicus missions on behalf of the European Union and provide data services to the Copernicus marine and atmospheric services and their users.
As an intergovernmental European Organisation, EUMETSAT has 30 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.)
