Large volcanic eruptions significantly affect the Earth's climate. They inject large quantities of sulfur dioxide (SO2) that form aerosols, which scatter solar radiation. The impact of a volcanic eruption is dependent on whether the eruption reaches the stratosphere, where aerosols have a longer lifetime. Sulfur isotope signatures can provide a new method for identifying stratospheric eruptions in the past. Large anomalies in isotopic signatures of aerosol deposited from volcanic eruptions were observed in ice-core deposits. These signatures were linked to SO2 photo-chemistry that can only occur in the stratosphere.

The successful candidate will simulate the photo-chemical processes that lead to the formation of these isotopic anomalies in stratospheric aerosol from volcanic eruptions. He/She will then use a chemistry-transport model to trace the evolution of these anomalies during transport from the stratosphere to deposition locations at the poles, where the isotopic anomalies were detected. The project involves a close collaboration with the Max-Plank Institute in Mainz, that develops the EMAC model used in this project.

MSc degree in physics, earth sciences, or a related field; particular interest and strong background in atmospheric sciences; strong analytic and programming skills required.

The candidate is offered a full-time position for four years, with an evaluation after one year.

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. More information is available here. 

The gross monthly salary with a full-time appointment will amount to €2.222,- at the first year to €2.840,- in the fourth (P-scale of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities).

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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. For more information about the Institute for Marine and Atmospheric research Utrecht, please visit the IMAU website.