Post-doctoral fellow in CH4 modelling / data assimilation (PA2026/952)

The Inverse Modelling group at the Department of Earth and Environmental Science (MGeo), Lund University, seeks to appoint a post-doctoral fellows to work on the quantification of boreal CH4 wetlands emissions based on assimilating relevant observational data.

Together with international collaborators the Inverse Modelling group develops and applies inverse modelling / data assimilation systems that employ a range of observations to constrain surface-atmosphere GhG (mainly CO2 and CH4) exchange fluxes. These systems are widely used in a variety of projects, in particular in the EU funded projects AVENGERS (which is coordinated by Lund University, https://avengers-project.eu) and IM4CA (https://im4ca.eu).

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The post-doctoral fellow shall perform the following duties:

• Carry out further development, testing and application of a methane data assimilation system (CH4DAS)
• Carry out further development, testing and application of our regional inverse modelling system LUMIA
• Conduct experiments to simultaneously assimilate atmospheric concentration and ecosystem flux observations of methane to reduce uncertainties in boreal wetland CH4 emissions with a focus on Europe.

The research will be conducted at MGeo, Lund University, with the possibility of international collaborations with research partners in IM4CA. Participation in international meetings and workshops and communication of the research work is expected.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Excellent programming skills, preferably in Fortran and Python
• Expertise in the field of carbon cycle science and processes determining the fluxes methane
• Experience with inversion modelling / data assimilation frameworks ideally applied to the carbon cycle

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience with data assimilation/inverse modelling
• Knowledge of the global carbon cycle, in particular methane fluxes

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than two pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.

Welcome to apply!