Position
Title:
Experienced researcher position in climate forcing by dust
Job Description:
Mineral dust is an important component of the atmospheric
aerosol loading, and affects regional climates by altering
the balance of incoming and outgoing radiation, influencing
cloud properties, and affecting atmospheric chemical processes.
The net climatic impact could be large, but it is currently
very unclear whether dust will produce warmer or colder conditions
at a regional scale, and unclear how regional changes will
affect the global climate. Part of the uncertainty is due
to the different effects atmospheric dust can have on the
climate, depending on the colour, size and mineralogy of the
dust, the height of the dust clouds in the atmosphere, and
the nature of the surface (dark or light) over which the dust
clouds occur.
The aim of this project is to develop an improved understanding
of the physical properties of dust and their implications
for climate. It will be necessary to develop a global data
set of dust mineralogy, particle size and shape characteristics
that can be used in conjunction with a state-of-the-art global
dust cycle model to predict the impacts of dust on radiative
forcing at regional and global scales. The project involves:
(a) characterization of regional dust sources in terms of
mineralogy, colour, particle size distribution and shape,
(b) development of a global data set of dust properties that
can be used in conjunction with existing emission models,
(c) improvement of existing radiative code to take into account
dust particle properties, and (d) application of the improved
radiative scheme to simulate the impact of dust on regional
and global forcing of modern, past and future climates.
The successful applicant will gain experience in modelling
the global dust cycle and its impact on radiative forcing
within the framework of coupled climate models. They will
also gain familiarity with the use of modern and palaeo-data
for model validation. The student will work as part of BRIDGE
(Bristol Research Initiative for the Dynamic Global Environment),
a new and exciting research centre focused on understanding
the causes and impacts of past, present and future climate
and environmental changes.
The successful candidate will be a highly-motivated individual
with a doctorate in Physics, Mathematics or Earth Sciences.
Experience in programming (Fortran or C++), and familiarity
with Linux and Windows operating systems is essential. S/he
will have good written/spoken communication skills. Preference
will be given to candidates who have demonstrated their ability
to publish in the international peer-reviewed scientific
literature. S/he will enjoy working as part of an international
team, and will have demonstrated both the flexibility and
excellent organizational skills necessary to contribute to
such a team effort. The successful candidate will be required
to spend extended periods of time at other laboratories within
the network.
To qualify for this position you must have over 4 yr relevant
research experience or a PhD, and have less than 10 yr of
research experience (counted from the time you obtained a
degree allowing you access to doctoral studies in the country
where you obtained it) when you take up the appointment.
You currently reside outside of the UK.
To apply please send your CV, a letter of intent explaining
your motivations and interests in this position, and the contact
details of 2-3 academic referees to the network manager (Dr.
Andrew Friend, LSCE, France) by e-mail: andrew.friend@cea.fr
Women and residents of new EU member states are particularly
encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: 01/07/2006
Start Date: 01/10/2006
Duration: 24 months
Salary: 52 875 euro/yr + mobility allowance
(500-800 euro/mo) + training allowance (400 euro/mo) + travel
allowance (av. 750 euro/yr) + career exploratory allowance
(2000 euro)
Location of Work:
University of Bristol
Bristol, UNITED KINGDOM
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