The Institute for Geosciences and Meteorology at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn and the Institute for Geophysics und Meteorology at the University of Cologne invites applications for
2 PhD Graduate Research Positions and 1 Research Associate Position (Post-Doc)
The Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics group of the Hans-Ertel-Centre for Weather Research (HErZ) offers three new positions starting as soon as possible. HErZ is a competence centre consisting of five research groups aimed at conducting basic research in tight collaboration with the German Meteorological Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst - DWD). The Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics group is based at the two universities of Cologne and Bonn situated in one of the most attractive regions in Germany due to a vivid cultural and international scene as well as the proximity to natural parks.
The open positions have the following research foci:
(1) Development of a high resolution surface reanalysis (1 PhD Bonn) (2) Extreme weather events in renewable energy applications (1 PhD Cologne) (3) Impact of new observation systems on regional reanalysis (1 Post-Doc Cologne)
From all of the future position holders, we expect an interest in: × Reanalysis generation and application × Ensemble based data assimilation × Optimizing the use of renewable energies × Remote sensing and new/unused meteorological observations
Applicants for (1) and (2) should have a Master of Science equivalent university degree in meteorology, geophysics, physics or mathematics. To be successful, you need to be knowledgeable and/or experienced in × writing computer software (e.g., R, python, shell scripts, climate data operators, FORTRAN90/95) × handling and analyzing large data sets in relevant formats (e.g., netCDF, GRIB) × using Linux/UNIX operating computer system We expect a good command of written and oral English, the willingness to present research results at scientific conferences, and the ability to collaborate with others.
For position (3), we additionally require × a PhD degree in meteorology or another relevant field of the natural sciences × experience in the areas of numerical weather prediction, data assimilation, ensemble generation (application of meteorological data in renewable energies is a plus) × advanced programming experience in shell scripts, Fortran90 and/or C, Python and/or R × strong familiarity with UNIX or Linux operating systems and HPC environments
The positions (1) and (2) (75% TV-L E13) and (3) (100% TV-L E13) are awarded at least until 31 December 2022 after the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period. We offer a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and family-friendly work place, supervision tailored towards your experience level, and the option for attending advanced training.
Interested candidates should send a complete application package (CV; motivation letter describing background, training and research interests matching the position; degree certificates; and contact information of two references) as a single PDF to Jan Keller ([email protected]) for position (1), to Susanne Crewell ([email protected]) for position (2), and to Ulrich Löhnert ([email protected]) for position (3). A first cutoff date for applications is 30 August 2019, but the positions remain open until they are filled.
Equal employment opportunity: Selection for these positions will be based solely on merit without regard to gender, age, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital or family status or other differences. Please do not include such information or photos in your application to help preventing unconscious biases in the selection process. Among equally qualified candidates, handicapped candidates will be given preference.
Institute for Geosciences and Meteorology Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Auf dem Hügel 20, 53121 Bonn, Germany
Institute for Geophysics und Meteorology University of Cologne 50923 Köln, Germany
Project description The positions to be filled are all within a continuing project building upon the work and experience of the Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics group since the implementation of HErZ eight years ago. In the group, the COSMO reanalysis system was developed, two reanalysis data sets have been produced and exploited with respect to specific applications. In the current (third) phase of the Hans- Ertel-Centre, the group will develop an ultra-high-resolution reanalysis and assess its use in renewable energy applications in collaboration with the Cologne Energy Economics Institute, strengthening the group’s expertise towards an interdisciplinary research focus of meteorology and economics. Specifically, the key objectives of each position are: 1 PhD in Bonn: Development of a high resolution surface reanalysis This position investigates the potential of including large amounts of additional observational data that have not been used in the existing COSMO reanalyses. Specifically, the observations will be assimilated in order to enhance the near surface representation of the COMSO-REA2 reanalysis employing state-of-the-art technical tools (e.g., DWD’s data assimilation system) and methods. A major focus of the project is on renewable energy applications. The aim is therefore not only an increased quality of (near-) surface parameters as in previous surface reanalysis implementations, but also a better representation of winds in wind turbine hub heights. Therefore, the successful applicant will also include available measurements of the lower part of the planetary boundary layer for constructing a high-resolution reanalysis suitable for wind energy applications over Central Europe. 1 PhD in Cologne: Extreme weather events for renewable energy applications The goal of this position is a better understanding of weather and economic related risks for the renewable energy sector in a climatological context, based on new reanalysis data. Weather impacts the electricity production and the network facilities in different ways. For instance, electricity production strongly depends on the low-level winds and solar radiation, which are highly variable. Moreover, wind or solar power plants can get damaged by severe weather events like hail or storms. Power lines also suffer from heavy snow and freezing rain. Other aspects are the pros and cons of decentralized vs. centralized energy supply. Decentralized energy supply would reduce risks associated with energy transportation over long distances, but is more vulnerable to short-term fluctuations due to local weather influences that are more difficult to predict. Centralized energy supply can balance such fluctuations, but requires a costly development of the power grid. The successful candidate will contribute to answering the following questions: (1) What are the renewable energy extremes with high-impact on electricity provision and network facilities?, (2) What are the risks of such events based on reanalysis data?, and (3) How should a renewable energy network be designed for a reliable energy supply? The PhD candidate will also support the assessment of the communication of such risk estimates to customers via collaborations. 1 Post-Doc in Cologne: Impact of new observation systems on regional reanalysis The overall goal of this position is to develop a tool to quantify the impact of a changing observing system on a high-resolution regional reanalysis. The regional focus will be on the Rhein-Ruhr Area (RRA), the most heavily populated area in Germany with a dense coverage of meteorological observations. Through close cooperation with DWD (headquarters Offenbach and regional administration Essen), the past and present status of the observation network in the RRA will be obtained. Ensemble Sensitivity Analysis (ESA) to estimate the potential impact of these observations on parameters relevant for renewable energy applications (i.e. hub-height wind and solar radiation) will be carried out. In addition, the successful candidate will develop a new framework for an Observation System Simulation Experiment (OSSE). The idea here is to characterize the improvements of a retrospective climate analysis system over the past decades due to including more sophisticated and advanced observation networks, i.e. with a higher spatial density and accuracy. In addition, the position holder will assess the potential benefits of applying novel ground- based observing systems with a focus on remote sensing of the atmospheric boundary layer by means of thermodynamic profilers (e.g. microwave radiometer, infrared spectrometer) and Doppler lidar.