PhD opportunity: Anthropogenic influences on East African high impact rainfall KU Leuven in Belgium

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at KU Leuven, in collaboration with Ghent University and Delft University of Technology, offers a four-year PhD position within the ANVIL consortium, focusing on African convective systems in a changing climate. The project aims to advance understanding and modelling of convective clouds and rainfall over Equatorial East Africa by integrating next-generation regional climate models with novel observational data. The successful candidate will investigate how climate forcings, including rapid urbanization and shifting aerosol levels, jointly shape future extreme rainfall, wind gusts, and heat stress in the region.

As a member of the Regional Climate Studies Group, you will benefit from expertise in regional climate modelling, tropical precipitation, urban climate, and East African climate. The research involves close collaboration with two other PhD candidates at UGent and TU Delft, as well as scientists from the international CLM-Community, dedicated to high-resolution regional climate research using the ICON-CLM model. You will regularly visit partner institutions and participate in international conferences and summer schools, with travel support provided.

The project leverages kilometer-scale modelling to overcome limitations of coarse-scale simulations, addressing East Africa’s complex terrain and lake-breeze dynamics. Your work will generate open datasets and insights for African stakeholders and the broader research community. A dedicated computer scientist/software engineer will assist with setting up ICON-CLM on HPC systems, supporting simulations and data management, allowing you to focus on scientific analysis.

Applicants must hold a Master degree by 1 October 2026 in Earth or Environmental Science, Climatology, or a related field (geography, engineering, bioscience engineering, geology, physics, meteorology, oceanography, mathematics, informatics). Experience in computational programming and strong English communication skills are required. The position offers a stimulating, inclusive research environment, with a focus on collaborative and open science. You will contribute to educational activities (about 10% of your time) and be part of the Arenberg Doctoral School, which provides comprehensive training, career development, and networking opportunities.

The position is full-time for 48 months, starting preferably 1 October 2026, with flexibility for earlier or later start dates. The net monthly salary is approximately 2400 Euro, with adjustments for dependents and inflation. Social security and transportation to and from the workplace are included. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and a respectful, socially safe environment.

To apply, submit your application via the KU Leuven online system, including a statement of experience, qualifications and interest, CV, academic transcripts, publication record, and contact details for at least two references. Interviews will be held on 5 May, both in Leuven and online. For further information, contact Prof. Nicole Van Lipzig at [email protected].