The Cenozoic greenhouse-to-icehouse transition is characterised by the appearance of Antarctic ice sheets at the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, followed by variable ice sheets and final stabilisation during the Mid-Miocene transition. The concurrent emergence of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is suggested to be a crucial aspect in Antarctic ice sheet development, but its exact role is still debated. 

Information about past climate conditions mostly comes from marine microfossil biogeography combined with climate modelling. Interpretation of the fossil archives is, however, not straightforward, as the biogeographic distribution of these species depends on many factors, notably local oceanographic conditions and transport by ocean currents and mesoscale features, which are not well-represented in most palaeoclimate model simulations. The successful candidate will carry out Earth System model simulations using newly generated continental geometries of the Oligocene and Miocene times, when the Antarctic circumpolar current has developed. The climate model simulations will be combined with eddy-permitting ocean model simulations and Lagrangian particle tracking techniques to advance the interpretation of fossil archives of these time periods.The work will be carried out within the Palaeoclimate Dynamics group which is part of the Ocean circulation and Climate theme within IMAU.

MSc degree in Physics, Mathematics or Geosciences. Particular interest and strong background in ocean or earth system dynamics and its numerical modelling.

The candidate is offered a full-time position for four years, with an evaluation after one year. The gross monthly salary with a full-time appointment will amount to €2.191 at the first year to €2.801 in the fourth (P-scale of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities). The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. In addition we offer: a pension scheme, a partially paid parental leave, flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities. The research group will provide the candidate with necessary support on all aspects of the project. For further information: working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old center and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht city has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands.

The Faculty of Science consists of six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information and Computing Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Mathematics. The Faculty is home to 5600 students and nearly 1500 staff and is internationally renowned for the quality of its research. The Faculty's academic programmes reflect developments in today's society.

The Institute for Marine and Atmospheric research Utrecht (IMAU) is an interfaculty research institute that focuses on the fundamental aspects of the climate system. Research is organized in five main themes: atmospheric physics and chemistry, atmospheric dynamics and boundary layer meteorology, ice and climate, ocean circulation and climate and coastal and shelf sea dynamics. The IMAU includes some 15 faculty members, 15 postdocs and 25 PhD students. The graduate programme is organized in the Buys Ballot research school.