2 PhD Positions on Fine Scale Air-Sea Interaction: Observations and Modeling (ERC QUASI)

Two PhD positions are available on fine-scale air–sea interaction (observations and modeling) within the ERC QUASI project.

Challenge: Unravel storm–lake coupling at fine scales.
Change: Combine unique observations and cutting edge models.Impact: Transform weather and climate modeling in the tropics.

Job description

Challenge, Change, Impact
Warm tropical waters fuel intense storms, yet the fine scale exchanges of heat, momentum and freshwater between air and water remain poorly understood. These interactions shape local weather extremes and climate variability, but current models miss them. QUASI turns Lake Victoria—Earth’s largest tropical lake—into an open air laboratory to uncover how sub kilometer air–lake coupling influences convection, rainfall and heat budgets. The insights will advance coupled models and improve forecasts in vulnerable regions.

What you’ll do – Observational Analysis
You will unravel the fingerprints of storms on the lake by analyzing how rain, radiation and cloudiness modulate air–lake fluxes and surface temperatures across a unique buoy array. Combining the in situ buoy data with rain and cloud observations, you’ll quantify spatial and temporal heterogeneity and link atmospheric drivers to lake responses. Building on these insights, you will run one dimensional mixed layer models to test how different conditions regulate stratification and mixing, and compare modeled responses with observations to expose dynamics that simpler views miss. Alongside analysis, you’ll join short intensive field periods and aid in local engagement, contributing to a campaign that will redefine our understanding of fine scale air–water coupling.

What you’ll do – Modeling Simulations
You will design and run high resolution simulations that bring the lake to life in the model world. Starting with large eddy simulation hindcasts of observed storm and heat wave cases, you’ll compare prescribed surface runs with coupled configurations using FLake and advanced parameterizations. You will then extend your work to regional ICON experiments with 3 D lake coupling, probing how heterogeneity reshapes convective initiation, rainfall patterns and extremes. Along the way, you’ll help coordinate a model intercomparison with international partners, using QUASI observations for validation and pushing the frontier of coupled modeling at submesoscales.

Where, how, and with whom you’ll work
Both PhDs will join the Geoscience and Remote Sensing department at TU Delft (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences) and work closely with Dr Louise Nuijens and an (inter)national network of collaborators. QUASI offers a unique opportunity to combine cutting edge observations and modeling in one of Earth’s most dynamic environments. You will collaborate with European partners in high resolution modeling (e.g., KNMI, ECMWF, Meteo France, MPIM) and regional initiatives around Lake Victoria (e.g., TAHMO). Expect stimulating teamwork, research visits abroad, and a dedicated project workshop to strengthen collaboration and knowledge transfer. Preferred start dates: Modeling PhD – August 2026 | Observational PhD – January 2027

About QUASI
QUASI—Stormy Atmospheres over Quiescent Waters: Dynamical Implications of Fine scale Air–Sea Interaction—is an ERC Consolidator Grant project that uses Lake Victoria as an analogue of the tropical ocean to expose the mechanisms and impacts of submesoscale air–lake coupling via a novel buoy observing network and cutting edge simulations. You’ll be part of a five member ERC team (PI, technical/data engineer, postdoc and two PhD students—observations & modelling) in Dr Louise Nuijens’ broader research group.

Job requirements

We are especially looking for candidates with strong conceptual thinking skills, the ability to drive analysis independently, write clearly, and who show a strong eagerness to understand and contribute to climate science.

• MSc (or equivalent) in atmospheric science, oceanography, applied physics, or computational geoscience.
• Affinity with diverse field observational data or LES/convection permitting models; experience in either is a plus, not a must. Strong motivation to advance data analysis or modeling is essential.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, Fortran), version control, and reproducible workflows. Familiarity with Linux/HPC environments (for the modeling position).
• Experience with data visualization or handling large datasets.
• Demonstrated interest in climate physics and/or cross disciplinary science.
• Enthusiasm for fieldwork, scientific outreach, and collaboration with international partners.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.