JOB DESCRIPTION

Grass-covered land surfaces play a vital role in regulating heat and moisture exchange between the land and atmosphere, yet they remain one of the most underrepresented elements in weather forecasting models. In this PhD project you will help advance novel experimental and theoretical approaches to uncover the complex heat and moisture transfer dynamics over grass-like surfaces. Building on recent conceptual breakthroughs, the goal is to improve the physical representation of atmosphere-grass-soil interactions in weather forecasting models for more sustainable land and water resources management in the face of climate change. You will work closely with two supervisors – Marie-Claire ten Veldhuis (experimental expertise) and Bas van de Wiel (theoretical expertise) – and a dedicated technician. This team-oriented supervision approach has proven effective in previous projects, with weekly joint whiteboard sessions.
Your research will focus on experimental fieldwork, designing new measurement setups using Distributed Temperature Sensing configurations and micro-meteorological instrumentation, along with data analysis and conceptual modeling. You will collaborate closely with the 2nd PhD candidate in the project who will focus on 2D-3D numerical modeling and implementation into operational forecasting models. Collaboration is foreseen with industry/public partners such as WHIFFLE and KNMI.
You will be hosted by the Water Management Department in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at TU Delft. As part of our diverse and dedicated team of professors, lecturers, PhD and postdoc researchers, you will have the opportunity to work closely with leading experts and industry partners at the national and international level. Our unique facilities provide an ideal environment for experimental research and innovation. Here, you will receive all the support and coaching you need to develop further your career.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• You hold an MSc in atmospheric science, applied physics, or a related field, and have proven relevant project or thesis experience in experimental field work.
• You are a team player and enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration.
• You have a good command of written and spoken English.

Please refer the Job description for details