Postdoctoral Researcher in Ocean-Sea Ice Interactions at TU Delft

This position focuses on deploying detailed models of coupled ocean and sea ice processes, investigating their turbulent interactions, comparing results with observations, and designing parameterizations for global climate models. The recent decades have seen significant losses of sea ice in both hemispheres, and current climate models struggle to accurately predict these changes due to inadequate representation of ocean and sea ice interactions at sub-grid scales.

The Role: The project aims to improve our physical understanding of these fine-scale processes, including the melting and breakage of sea ice. This will be achieved using a framework that combines an ocean Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and a Discrete Element Model (DEM) of sea ice. The results from these simulations will be validated against a combination of in-situ and remote sensing data from both the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice regions. Based on this new understanding, the candidate will develop parameterizations that can emulate these physical processes for use in more coarsely-resolved climate models.

This fully-funded position is part of the European Research Council (ERC) 'ICE-FLOE' project and will involve collaboration with other team members at TU Delft and internationally. There may also be opportunities to assist with a research cruise in Antarctica.

Requirements:

PhD in oceanography, cryospheric science, climate science, or atmospheric science.
Experience with Large Eddy Simulations, turbulence research, and the Julia programming language is advantageous but not mandatory.
Interest in the intersection of solid and fluid mechanics.
Ability to work independently.
Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Ability to start the position between January and March 2027 (with some flexibility).

About TU Delft:

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that truly make a difference. For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who impact the world through various sectors. Our alumni turn knowledge into practical solutions for contemporary and future challenges, focusing on themes such as energy, climate, digitalization, AI, and smart mobility.

At TU Delft, our people are the key to our success. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, collaborate with others, and grow professionally within an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that advance the world.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences:

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is dedicated to exceptional international research and education in civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research addresses societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanization, and clean water, conducted in close collaboration with various research institutions. CEG values open science and supports its scientists in integrating it into their research practices.

Conditions of Employment:

Contract duration is 1-3 years, temporary.
Job of 38-40 hours per week.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
Excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
Possibility to compile an individual employment package annually.
Discounts with health insurers on supplemental packages.
Flexible working week.
232 leave hours annually (at 38 hours), with options to buy or sell additional leave hours.
Numerous opportunities for education, training, and courses.
Partially paid parental leave.
Focus on healthy and energetic work through the vitality program.

If relocation to the Netherlands is necessary, TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible. The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, provides information to help you prepare for your relocation and organizes events to assist you in settling into the Netherlands and expanding your social network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner in their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information:

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Mukund Gupta at Mukund.Gupta@tudelft.nl.

Application Procedure:

If you are interested in this vacancy, please apply no later than 10 November 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae including publication list.
Motivation letter (2-3 pages) detailing your interest in the research topic and a summary of your completed research projects, including major results, methodologies used, and connection to this postdoctoral position.
Transcripts from your MSc degree.
A copy of your PhD thesis. If unavailable, a draft thesis or write-up from previous research may serve as a temporary substitute.

Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide contact information for at least 3 references.

Please note:

Applications must be submitted online. We will not process applications sent by email or post.
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