PhD position on the topic of tropical cyclones

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Atmospheric Physics group at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science (IAC), ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD position (3-4 years) investigating atmosphere- ocean interactions in the context of tropical cyclones. Our research group studies clouds in their various facets, from cloud microphysical processes to convective systems such as tropical cyclones. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of how cloud microphysical processes interact with cloud dynamics. We conduct laboratory and field studies, use remote sensing data and numerical models.

Project background

This position is part of the newly funded EU project RealESM, led by Cicero in Norway with partners in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, UK, Greece and Switzerland. In my research group, we plan to study atmosphere/ ocean interactions at multiple spatial resolutions, and investigate consequences for tropical cyclones, clouds and precipitation and how they depend on spatial resolution. To this effect, we aim to conduct coupled atmosphere- ocean simulations with the ICON model in collaboration with the Climate Physics and the Environmental Phyics research groups at ETH Zurich and other researchers from the RealESM consortium. In this PhD position, we want to evaluate the impact of warm ocean temperature anomalies which occur along the coasts and cold anomalies caused for instance by Sahara dust on tropical cyclones.

Job description

The PhD work for this project will be conducted with the global aerosol-climate model ICON-HAM aerosol model coupled to the ETH ocean model. We are thus looking for a PhD candidate interested in numerical modelling, tropical cyclones and cloud physics. You will be:

• Conducting coupled atmosphere- ocean simulations at various horizontal resolutions
• Analyzing the model output in terms of tropical cyclones with observations
• Investigate the sensitivity of tropical cyclones to cold and warm ocean temperature anomalies

Profile

• The position requires a MSc (or equivalent) in atmospheric/ environmental sciences, physics, computational science, engineering or a related field
• A background in numerical modelling, statistical data analysis and/or programming skills is highly encouraged
• Sound knowledge of the English language, both oral and written is expected
• We specifically encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups in academia

Workplace

We offer

• Be able to broaden your horizon by acquiring subject specific competences and transferrable skills
• Working in a diverse team with flexible working hours and the possibilty for home office
• Integrated in the scientific community at ETH and internationally
• Contribute to teaching

We value diversity and sustainability

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Copies of BSc and MSc educational records
• A statement of research interest
• Names and contact details of two references

Further information about our research group can be found on our homepage . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Ulrike Lohmann at ulrike.lohmann@ env.ethz.ch (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Review of applications will begin April 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is September 2026.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.