PhD Positions Fine Scale Air-Sea Interaction: Observations and Modeling; ERC QUASI

Overview

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.

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.

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.

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 3D 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.

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

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.

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…