The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are currently losing mass in response to atmospheric and ocean warming and are becoming a major contributor to sea level rise. At the same time, changes in these ice sheets impact on the ocean circulation and/or the climate system through meltwater fluxes, topographic change, areal change, ice/snow surface albedo and energy fluxes. In this project, the PhD candidate explores ocean-ice-sheet-climate interactions during the last deglaciation of the northern hemisphere (Laurentide, Eurasian and Greenland ice sheets) and the future Greenland deglaciation. This will be done with one of the few Earth System Models including interactive ice sheets, the Community Earth System Model (CESM). The ocean component in CESM is the Ocean General Circulation Model POP. The ice sheet component is the Community Ice Sheet Model.

The candidate will work in a team of climate, paleo- and ice sheet modelers within the ERC-project “CoupledIceClim”. He/she will design and perform simulations with the coupled climate and ice sheet models, will contribute to code development where appropriate, and will analyze the model output and compare to observations and paleo-records where available. The project contributes to the International Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project 6 (ISMIP6).  

The aims of this PhD project are: 1) quantify the ice sheets sensitivity to ocean/climate forcing, 2) quantify the role of feedbacks in accelerating/decelerating ice mass loss, and 3) contribute to assess the timing of ice sheet mass loss and its impact on ocean circulation, sea level rise, and climate. 

Applicants should have a strong background in oceanography, physics, meteorology, Earth Sciences, mathematics and/or computer science. Additionally:

• Strong skills in programming and numerical modelling

• Experience with ocean and/or climate modelling  

• Excellent communication skills in written and oral English

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) provides leading international research and education, with innovation and sustainability as central themes. Research and education are closely interwoven and address societal challenges. The Faculty consists of 7 departments: Materials Mechanics Management, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering , Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Watermanagement.

The Department of Geoscience and Remote Sensing conducts a research programme in the disciplines of geodesy and remote sensing, natural geophysics, and climate and atmospheric sciences. It emphasises the interrelation between new observational techniques and applications in engineering and geosciences, including the development of ground-based, airborne, and space-borne methods and models. The department has an internationally leading role in research related to Earth-oriented space research, satellite geodesy, gravity field modelling, natural hazards, geodynamics and climate studies.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/