Postdoctoral position: Cloud structure parameterization for
space-based climate change observation
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and
carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognized 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.
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science features a high level of
ambition and synergy. It is a strong international party in the field of telecommunication, software
technology, micro-electronics and computer engineering, electrical energy technology, multimedia and
applied mathematics. With a complement of 1,800 students (BSc and MSc) and 750 employees
including almost 300 post-docs, the faculty is a strong and pleasant organisation.
International Research Centre for Telecommunications and Radar
The International Research Centre for Telecommunications and Radar (IRCTR) is a research centre of
the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) of Delft University
of Technology. IRCTR was established to carry out project-driven research on telecommunications and
radar and is based on the strong research programmes of the telecommunications groups in the
EEMCS Faculty of Delft University of Technology. In cooperation with other disciplines in TU Delft, the
IRCTR offers a well-equipped platform for challenging fundamental and applied research.
The International Research Centre for Telecommunications and Radar has a vacancy for a
Postdoctoral Researcher.
Job description
Clouds are major scattering agents of incoming solar radiation and absorbers/emitters of thermal
radiation. They play a major role in determining the surface and lower atmospheric heating/cooling
rates. However, even in modern, sophisticated meteorological and climate models the treatment of
clouds is overly simplistic, mainly due to the wide degree of variability in relevant water cloud
properties at both large and small scales, and the lack of representative observations. Three issues
are of specific importance: the vertical cloud structure, its regional variability and temporal
development. These cannot be studied with observations from space or ground separately: synergy of
satellite observations with ground-based anchor stations is required.
In this project a new method will be developed and validated for the derivation of the number
concentration and thickness of water clouds from Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) observations, by
incorporating detailed measurements at so-called anchor stations: advanced ground-based
observatories with a large suite of active and passive sensors. The ground-based observations are
used to develop generic parameterizations of the cloud structure, which can be implemented in the
satellite retrievals, and finally lead to space-based observations of the cloud structure with a spatial
and temporal resolution well-suited for studying the impact of clouds in the climate system.
Requirements
PhD degree in physics or electrical engineering with an interest in meteorology and climate change
Conditions of employment
The extent of this position is a maximum of 38 hours per week (1 FTE). This position has a temporary
employment basis of 1 year with the possibility of an extension by 2 years. The estimated starting
salary is € 2.852 (based on scale 10.5) with a maximum of € 4,190 per month gross (based on scale
11, with a full-time appointment and depending on experience). Benefits and other employment
conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
TU Delft strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions. Therefore, women are
especially encouraged to apply.
Information and application
For further details on the position please contact dr.ir. H.W.J. Russchenberg , telephone: +31
(0)15-27 86292, e-mail: h.w.j.russchenberg@irctr.tudelft.nl; or Mrs W.L.M. van der Voort-Kester,
telephone: +31 (0)15 2781034, e-mail: w.l.vdVoort@irctr.tudelft.nl.
To apply, please send a detailed CV together with a letter of application before 14
November 2007 to Delft University of Technology, Faculty of EWI, attn: A.C.M. Hoek, Mekelweg
4, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands; or apply online to peno-ewi@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this job make sure to mention vacancy number EWI 2007.36
For more information about Delft University of Technology, please visit www.tudelft.nl.