Postdoctoral Position at Penn State Available in Numerical Cloud and Mesoscale Modeling


The Department of Meteorology at Pennsylvania State University has an immediate opening for a numerical modeler on an ARM-funded team examining the interactions between Arctic clouds, aerosol, and Arctic climate.

The Penn State team is currently conducting research on two ARM-funded Arctic field experiments: The Mixed-Phase Arctic Clouds Experiment (MPACE) and the Indirect and Semi-Direct Aerosol Campaign (ISDAC). The goal of this research is to:

  1. Arrive at a better understanding of the physical and dynamical processes that govern mixed-phase cloud evolution in the Arctic
  2. Understand the nature of aerosol-cloud interactions in the Arctic and how they differ from lower latitude cloud-aerosol interactions
  3. Develop improved parameterizations of Arctic cloud-aerosol interactions for use in mesoscale and regional climate models.

This position will be funded for 1 year, with the possibility of extension depending on the success of the candidate. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct numerical modeling studies (mesoscale and cloud-resolving) of Arctic cloud processes and to assist in the development of improved aerosol and cloud microphysical parameterizations. The successful candidate should have a working knowledge of numerical modeling and experience with the development of model parameterizations. A PhD in the atmospheric sciences, or a related field, is required.

Responsibilities of the successful candidate include:

  • Developing and executing of model cases from these data sets
  • Analyzing model simulations using the observed data
  • Assisting in developing a better physical view of mixed-phase cloud processes
  • Assisting in the development of improved cloud-aerosol parameterizations for numerical models.

To apply, send application material to:

Hans Verlinde or Jerry Harrington
503 Walker Building
Department of Meteorology
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802

To apply by email, send to verlinde@meteo.psu.edu or harring@mail.meteo.psu.edu.