Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 students.
In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.
At Kiruna Space Campus, Luleå University of Technology provides space-related research and education, the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) focuses on space plasma research and instrument development, and EISCAT Scientific Association carries out the radar observations of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
The Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Technology at Luleå University of Technology is seeking a doctoral researcher to contribute to our growing activities in Atmospheric Science at our Division of Space Technology on Kiruna Campus. The division offers a number of Master’s Degree programs in Space Science and Technology and conducts research in the areas of planetary and atmospheric science as well as space systems and technology. Researchers in Planetary Science have been and are involved in several international space missions, ranging from ESA’s Rosetta to JAXA’s MMX. The research infrastructure includes state-of-the-art experimental facilities for experimental planetary science.
Subject description
Atmospheric science deals with research on the atmosphere of Earth and other planets by modelling along with development and use of instruments for remote sensing and in situ observations. Special focus is on the atmosphere’s dynamical, chemical, and physical processes, as well as better weather and climate predictions.
Project description
You will be welcomed into an expanding group of researchers in Luleå University of Technology’s Division of Space Technology, in the atmospheric sciences subject. Our research topics include mass and energy fluxes within planets and their atmospheres, as well as snow, ice, and dirt in terrestrial and space environments. Researchers in Kiruna develop instruments for use on the ground, on balloons and on spacecraft and analyse data from Earth-observing satellites and deep space probes.
With the use of high-resolution satellite images, we want to determine areas affected by industrial pollution, by measuring spatial variations in the spectral albedo of snow. The spectral reflectivity of snow during springtime is determined by a combination of the snowpack properties and the amount of pollutants on and within the snow. Satellite-borne multispectral imagers cover several channels in the visible and near infrared that are sensitive to variations in the reflectivity of snow. Reflectivity changes as a result of melting processes and the pollution load. The analysis of satellite images will be supported by field-site measurements of snow properties, radiative conditions, albedo and pollution load. Additionally, in a dedicated ice laboratory, optical properties, melting behaviour and the dependence on pollution on and inside a snowpack will be examined in a controlled environment.
The datasets from satellite analysis are expected to provide an improved overview on areas that are potentially affected by pollution, not only from dust and soot, but even agents that are more critical for the sensitive arctic environment. Also, this can provide a tool for international authorities to monitor mining activities in sensitive areas with long-lasting snow cover.
Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies.
In collaboration with your supervisors, you will participate in the following activities.
– Processing and analysis of satellite data;
– planning, setup and testing of laboratory experiments;
– planning, setup and testing of field experiments;
– dissemination of results at international conferences and in scientific publications.
In addition to learning and improving your skills while working with these duties, you will conduct literature reviews and read courses as part of your graduate education. Optionally, you may engage in teaching and other departmental duties, limited to a maximum of one year of the total period not exceeding five years.
Qualifications
We are looking for you who are enthusiastic and who have experience of working independently and as a member of a team. You must have a master’s degree or equivalent in meteorology, (geo)physics, environmental sciences or another related subject, such as e.g. quantitative geosciences. It is meritorious if you have experience designing & running experiments and analysing experimental data, ideally complemented with some knowledge of numerical simulations. Some knowledge of remote sensing will be an asset. You must be an effective communicator and fluent in English.
For further information about a specific subject see General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology
Most employees at the subject Atmospheric Science are currently men, therefor we welcome female applicants.
Other information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Kiruna.
For further information, please contact Prof. Axel Hagermann, +46 980 67583, axel.hagermann@ltu.se or Head of division Dr. Victoria Barabash, +46 980 67532, victoria.barabash@ltu.se
Union representatives: SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se, OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se
In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
Application
We prefer electronic applications which can be created by clicking on the apply button below. The application must be in English or Swedish and should include a CV, personal letter, copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities, and also contact information of two potential referees. Mark your application with the reference number below.
Closing date for applications: August 4, 2022
Reference: 2252-2022
URL to this pagehttps://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=5849&rmlang=UK