PhD Position: 3D Radiation Modeling in Clouds and Wildfire Plumes at CPTE WUR

Career at WUR

About Us

Wageningen University & Research offers a diverse and challenging work environment, fostering personal development and a healthy work-life balance. We are recognized as a leader in our field.

Your Job

This PhD project is part of ORCRIST: Optimized Ray-tracing for Cloud-Radiation Interaction Simulations in 3D using GPUs and Machine Learning, funded by the NWO Open Technology Programme.

Sunlight and heat radiation interact with the atmosphere in three dimensions, yet most weather and climate models still treat radiation as a vertical process. As a PhD candidate in Wageningen, you will help develop the first Monte Carlo ray tracer for the atmosphere that is efficient enough for forecasting. Your work will explore how 3D radiation influences cloud formation, solar energy availability, climate sensitivity, and wildfire plumes. You will collaborate with a fellow PhD student at Leiden University who specializes in GPU optimization while leading the physics aspect of the project. Together, you will create a machine-learning denoiser to enhance the ray tracer's operational speed. Your research will have a direct societal impact, as you will engage with a user committee comprising KNMI, Whiffle, TNO, VORtech, and Columbia University.

Responsibilities

Set up three benchmark simulations in the GPU-accelerated model MicroHH: solar energy forecasting, tropical climate, and a real wildfire plume.
Develop a 3D thermal radiation solver within the RTE-RRTMGP-CPP ray tracer, implementing effective strategies for sampling radiation sources.
Quantify the effects of 3D radiation on clouds, surface irradiance, and plume dynamics compared to traditional 1D radiation models.
Co-develop a physics-informed machine-learning denoiser with your Leiden colleague and evaluate its performance with the user committee in practical settings.
Publish your findings in top-tier journals and present them at international conferences and to industry stakeholders.

You Will Work Here

The research is conducted within the Meteorology and Air Quality Group, led by Prof. Vilà-Guerau de Arellano. You will be supervised by Dr.ir. Chiel van Heerwaarden and Dr.ir. Menno Veerman from WUR, and Dr. Ben van Werkhoven from Leiden University. The team is small, collaborative, and has a history of creating widely used open-source simulation codes. You will have access to national and European supercomputers (Snellius, LUMI) and dedicated GPU hardware.

Your Qualities

You are curious about atmospheric processes and enjoy translating physical principles into functional code. You thrive in interdisciplinary collaborations and can communicate effectively with both physicists and computer scientists.

You Also Possess

A completed MSc degree in meteorology, physics, applied mathematics, computational science, or a related field.
Strong programming skills (e.g., C++ and Python); experience with GPU computing (CUDA), high-performance computing, or machine learning is advantageous.
A keen interest in radiative transfer, clouds, and atmospheric physics.
Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, expected at C1 level.

We Offer

Wageningen University & Research provides excellent employment conditions. Highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

Partially paid parental leave.
Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.
Access to campus sports facilities for a nominal fee.
A fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%.
A robust pension scheme.

In addition to these benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and a tailored training program to support your development and that of the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is €3,204 per month, increasing to €4,051 in the fourth year, based on the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is calculated for a full-time workweek of 38 hours. We offer an initial temporary contract for 18 months, extendable based on performance throughout the project.

We promote internal mobility and development within our organization. Our recruitment and selection policy outlines specific conditions for current and former employees. If you have any questions, we are here to assist.

You Will Work At

Wageningen University & Research is located on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, offering an international and open working environment.

Coming from Abroad

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research center for life sciences, addressing globally relevant themes and hosting a large international community. Our team of advisors will assist you with visa applications for yourself and your family, ensuring a smooth transition to living and working in the Netherlands.

Important Information

For more information about the position, please contact Chiel van Heerwaarden at chiel.vanheerwaarden@wur.nl. For questions about the application process, reach out to Jessa Rozema, Corporate Recruiter, at jessa.rozema-stol@wur.nl.

Ready to Apply?

You can apply directly using the apply button on our vacancy page, allowing us to process your personal information with your consent. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please submit the following documents (maximum 3 pages in total):

A complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages).
A motivation letter (maximum 1 page).

The total length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required at this stage and will not be considered.

The application deadline is November 1, 2026. The first interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible.

Additional Information Form

For this position, you must complete a mandatory form to provide a comprehensive view of your qualifications, allowing us to better assess your fit for the role. You can access the form using the link below: PhD: 3D radiation in clouds and wildfire plumes using GPUs and machine learning – Fill out form

Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to progress in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process.

Welcome, Safe, and Valued

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) values diversity and inclusion, believing that diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions. We strive to create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are fostering a culture where every unique contribution enhances our organization's success.

We Are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Under the banner of Wageningen University & Research, the university and specialized research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation collaborate to address significant questions in the domains of healthy food and living environments. With approximately 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte), and over 13,100 students, WUR is a leading organization in its field. The unique approach of Wageningen lies in its integrated perspective on issues and collaboration across disciplines.

Why Work at WUR?

Discover five reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get a glimpse of our green campus!

We will recruit for this vacancy ourselves, so we kindly ask not to contact employment agencies. However, sharing the opportunity within your network is appreciated.

Locations

Wageningen

Professional Field

PhD & EngD

Educational Level

Master's Degree

Apply Before

November 2, 2026

Salary Range

€3,204 - €4,051

Hours

38 - 38