PhD Position (m/f/d) In the area of Air-Sea Interaction

We are looking for a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate to investigate the influence of ocean surface waves on energy and momentum exchange processes between the atmosphere and the ocean. Understanding energy and scalar fluxes across the air-sea interface is crucial for a number of environmental challenges, including weather, climate and sea state forecasting. The Air-Sea Interaction group at the Institute of Coastal Research conducts laboratory (wind-wave tank) and field (offshore platform) based research, by developing and deploying unique, novel high-resolution imaging systems to investigate submillimeter-scale turbulent dynamics above and below ocean surface waves.

We invite applications for a Ph.D. position (m/f/d) in the area of Air-Sea Interaction at the Institute of Coastal Research with preferred starting date on May 1, 2020. The position is limited to three years with the degree being awarded through the University of Kiel.

Your tasks

- designing, planning and performing laboratory (wind-wave tank) and field (offshore platform in coastal waters) experiments, using state-of-the-art imaging techniques (e.g., PIV, Particle Image Velocimetry)
- developing computational codes to process and understand large experimental datasets (e.g., image processing)
- analyzing experimental results; developing conceptual models and parameterizations to better predict air-sea fluxes of momentum and energy
- scientific publication and presentation
- working as an integral part of a motivated multidisciplinary team within the institute and with external academic partners

Your profile

Essential qualifications:

a MSc degree in oceanography, geosciences, physics, mechanical engineering or related disciplines
programming skills in one or more languages (Matlab, Python, R, C, Fortran)
excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken)
high degree of motivation, creativity, and flexibility
ability and willingness to participate in sea-going research

Desirable qualifications:

- experience in processing and interpretation of observational data
- laboratory experience and/or coursework in fluid dynamics
- international research experience
- academic publication record
- willingness to learn German

We offer you

- multinational work environment with over 1,000 colleagues from more than 50 nations
- extensive options of vocational training (i.a. expert seminars, language courses or leadership seminars)
- flexible working hours and various models to ensure the compatibility of family and career
- excellent infrastructure, including a scientific in-house library as well as modern work spaces
- an appropriate salary related to the German public tariff (TV-AVH) plus the usual social benefits for the public employment sector