PhD position on "Frozen Soil conditions in Seasonal Forecasting"
(75% E13 TV-G-U)

for 36 months available. Funding for one year of PostDoc after successful PhD is secured.

The salary and social security benefits are according to the German standard and follows the Goethe University pay structure (TV-G-U).

This position is funded within the new Italian-German co-operation IDEA S4S (here with DWD and CMCC) and will include extended research stays in Italy.

Each year, approximately 50% of the exposed (excluding ice sheets, inland water bodies) Northern Hemisphere land area undergoes a seasonal transition from predominantly frozen to thawed conditions. The representation of seasonally frozen ground varies substantially in climate system models and is not well studied in NWP models.

This proposed PhD project targets (a) a better representation of the soils' freeze/thaw processes in seamless prediction models (esp. in the future ICON-Seamless-based German Climate Forecasting System, GCFS, with JSBACH) and (b) a careful initialization of the frozen soil state, particularly in seasonal ensemble forecasting. This would have a beneficial impact on snow-hydrology, flood probability forecasting, and spring/summer soil moisture biases and subsequent heatwave forecasting (i.e., on seasonal forecasting services).

Methodologically, this project will rely on hydroclimatic and soil physics understanding, conceptual model building, surface and atmospheric modelling, analysis, and statistics. The PhD should actively cooperate with group members, within IDEA S4S, and have an enthusiasm to help with some academic teaching is desirable.

Qualifications: Candidates with a master's degree (MSc) in meteorology, hydrology, physics, mathematics, computational fluid dynamics or a related field should apply. Experience in performing and analysing experiments with a comprehensive atmospheric/climate system model is helpful. In addition, motivation and ability to participate in model development in an interdisciplinary and international environment is necessary. We expect a highlyself-motivated PhD with excellent communication skills, both written and oral, in English. Furthermore, general analytical (problem) solving skills, a willingness to occasionally work flexible hours, independence and organizational skills are expected.

Teamwork and interpersonal skills are very important. The successful candidate will be trained in the relevant methods employed and supported by GRADE (Goethe Research Academy for Early Career Researchers). We offer excellent working conditions, an international multi-disciplinary working environment and excellent research infrastructure.

Goethe University is committed to equal rights and therefore we particularly encourage applications from female candidates and those from under-represented backgrounds. Equally qualified people with disabilities will be given priority.

Applications including a detailed CV, certificates, short description of research experience and interests (2 p. max), names and addresses of two scientific referees, should be sent as a one single(!) PDF document by e-mail to Mr C. Czakay, czakay@iau.uni-frankfurt.de, Institute for Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, J.W. Goethe University, Altenhöferallee 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Informal inquiries regarding this position can be sent to Prof. Bodo.Ahrens@iau.uni-frankfurt.de(cf. climtropy.de).