Challenge: Unravel storm–lake coupling at fine scales.
Change: Combine unique observations and cutting edge models.
Impact: Transform weather and climate modeling in the tropics.
Job description
Challenge, Change, Impact
Warm tropical waters fuel intense storms, yet the fine scale exchanges of heat, momentum and freshwater between air and water remain poorly understood. These interactions shape local weather extremes and climate variability, but current models miss them. QUASI turns Lake Victoria—Earth’s largest tropical lake—into an open air laboratory to uncover how sub kilometer air–lake coupling influences convection, rainfall and heat budgets. The insights will advance coupled models and improve forecasts in vulnerable regions.
What you’ll do – Observational Analysis
You will unravel the fingerprints of storms on the lake by analyzing how rain, radiation and cloudiness modulate air–lake fluxes and surface temperatures across a unique buoy array. Combining the in situ buoy data with rain and cloud observations, you’ll quantify spatial and temporal heterogeneity and link atmospheric drivers to lake responses. Building on these insights, you will run one dimensional mixed layer models to test how different conditions regulate stratification and mixing, and compare modeled responses with observations to expose dynamics that simpler views miss. Alongside analysis, you’ll join short intensive field periods and aid in local engagement, contributing to a campaign that will redefine our understanding of fine scale air–water coupling.
What you’ll do – Modeling Simulations
You will design and run high resolution simulations that bring the lake to life in the model world. Starting with large eddy simulation hindcasts of observed storm and heat wave cases, you’ll compare prescribed surface runs with coupled configurations using FLake and advanced parameterizations. You will then extend your work to regional ICON experiments with 3 D lake coupling, probing how heterogeneity reshapes convective initiation, rainfall patterns and extremes. Along the way, you’ll help coordinate a model intercomparison with international partners, using QUASI observations for validation and pushing the frontier of coupled modeling at submesoscales.
Where, how, and with whom you’ll work
Both PhDs will join the Geoscience and Remote Sensing department at TU Delft (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences) and work closely with Dr Louise Nuijens and an (inter)national network of collaborators. QUASI offers a unique opportunity to combine cutting edge observations and modeling in one of Earth’s most dynamic environments. You will collaborate with European partners in high resolution modeling (e.g., KNMI, ECMWF, Meteo France, MPIM) and regional initiatives around Lake Victoria (e.g., TAHMO). Expect stimulating teamwork, research visits abroad, and a dedicated project workshop to strengthen collaboration and knowledge transfer. Preferred start dates: Modeling PhD – August 2026 | Observational PhD – January 2027
About QUASI
QUASI—Stormy Atmospheres over Quiescent Waters: Dynamical Implications of Fine scale Air–Sea Interaction—is an ERC Consolidator Grant project that uses Lake Victoria as an analogue of the tropical ocean to expose the mechanisms and impacts of submesoscale air–lake coupling via a novel buoy observing network and cutting edge simulations. You’ll be part of a five member ERC team (PI, technical/data engineer, postdoc and two PhD students—observations & modelling) in Dr Louise Nuijens’ broader research group.
Job requirements
We are especially looking for candidates with strong conceptual thinking skills, the ability to drive analysis independently, write clearly, and who show a strong eagerness to understand and contribute to climate science.
- MSc (or equivalent) in atmospheric science, oceanography, applied physics, or computational geoscience.
- Affinity with diverse field observational data or LES/convection permitting models; experience in either is a plus, not a must. Strong motivation to advance data analysis or modeling is essential.
- Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, Fortran), version control, and reproducible workflows. Familiarity with Linux/HPC environments (for the modeling position).
- Experience with data visualization or handling large datasets.
- Demonstrated interest in climate physics and/or cross disciplinary science.
- Enthusiasm for fieldwork, scientific outreach, and collaboration with international partners.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good command of written and spoken English.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €2901 - €3707 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Louise Nuijens (louise.nuijens@tudelft.nl).
#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named QUASI, with project number 101231592, within program H2020 / ERC.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 28 February 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae.
- Cover letter, including your motivation for this specific position.Please indicate in your letter whether you are applying for the Observational PhD, the Modeling PhD, or would like to be considered for both positions.
- Transcripts from your BSc and MSc degrees.
- Contact details for two referees.
- If available, a copy of your MSc thesis will be appreciated.
You can address your application to Louise Nuijens.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
