Sweden: PhD Student Positions in Satellite Atmospheric Science at Lulea Technical University (LTU)

The Satellite Atmospheric Science (SAT) group at the Department of SpaceScience (IRV) is looking for two new PhD students. The IRV is a department of Luleå Technical University, located at the Space Campus in Kiruna, Sweden. We work in close collaboration with the other two big space and environment research institutions in Kiruna, IRF and ESRANGE.The group focuses on three research areas:
1. Radiative TransferWe maintain and extend the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Simulator (ARTS), a public domain program developed and used by groups all over Europe. ARTS can simulate the propagation of thermal radiation in the atmosphere, including the effects of atmospheric absorption and scattering.
2. Humidity and Cloud ResearchWe use available satellite data (from meteorological and research satellites) to study the hydrological cycle in the upper troposphere and the climatology of humidity and clouds. A focus in the past has been on passive microwave sensors, such as the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit B, but we plan to increase the use of other available data, for example from the US A-train of satellites, or from Envisat.
3. Development of New Satellite SensorsWe work on new satellite sensor concepts, particularly in the context of future missions of the European Space Agency (ESA). One important project is the further development of a satellite sensor to study ice clouds in the sub-millimeterwave spectral range, along the lines of the CIWSIR (Cloud Ice Water Sub-millimeter Imaging Radiometer) mission proposal. This is expected to include the work with aircraft prototypes.

We are looking for PhD students with research interests and qualifications in one or more of the above areas. To apply, you must have a good or excellent masters degree in a relevant area. You should also have traceable experience in atmospheric science and remote sensing, as well as a good general background in physics and mathematics. Furthermore, you should have good English skills and good computer skills, including some programming experience. Swedish skills will be considered an additional bonus. You should be capable of independent, original, and creative research work, but at the same time be a good team player.

We offer:
As usual in Sweden, the PhD positions are for five years and are associated with a full-time position with a commensurate salary. The duties are 80% research and 20% teaching. We offer an open and friendly work environment with a focus on cutting-edge research and high quality journal publications. More information about the groupcan be found on our website http://www.sat.ltu.se
If you have questions about the general working conditions, please contact the head of the department Dr. Hans Weber (Hans.Weber@ltu.se, +46 708 592088). For science questions and questions about the working group, please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Buehler (sbuehler@irv.se, +46 980 79177).

Applications, marked with the reference no. concerned, are to be addressed to Luleå University of Technology, The Registry Secretary, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden.
Applications should be received no later than February 28, 2007.
Reference no: 122-07
Source of this announcement can be found here.