PhD Research Fellow in Atmospheric Physics University of Bergen in Norway

There is a vacancy for a PhD Research Fellow in atmospheric physics at the Geophysical Institute and the Bjerknes Center for Climate Research, University of Bergen, Norway. This is a full-time, fixed-term PhD position for 3 years, with the possibility of a 4th year depending on the candidate’s qualifications and the department’s teaching needs. The project is part of RAPTURE (Reaching AI Projections Trustworthy for Unseen Rainfall Extremes), an ERC Starting Grant-funded research project focused on the simulation and understanding of extreme rainfall under changing climate conditions.

The project addresses a major scientific and societal question: how can the properties and risks of extreme rainfall be simulated in a trustworthy way for conditions not yet observed? RAPTURE combines high-resolution physical simulations, machine-learning climate emulators, and insights from the dynamics of weather and climate to assess what current simulations already capture, where improvements are needed, and how those improvements can be achieved. The successful candidate will work with some of the most high-resolution regional climate simulations produced to date, studying what causes spatially localised extreme rainfall, how these processes are represented in simulations, and how they may change in the future.

The research will also examine whether physically grounded and machine-learning-based climate projections lead to the same conclusions, and if not, why differences arise. This is an excellent opportunity to build expertise in dynamical meteorology, machine learning for the Earth system, climate hazards research, and advanced technical methods used in climate science. The PhD candidate will be expected to write scientific publications and will have opportunities to present at international workshops, conferences, and summer schools.

Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent in physics, meteorology, mathematics, computer science, geosciences, or a related field, or have submitted the master’s thesis before the deadline. A completed master’s degree is required for employment. Strong mathematical and quantitative skills are essential. Experience or strong interest in meteorology is an advantage, as are skills in scientific programming such as Python and geospatial data analysis. The position also requires independence, structured working habits, collaboration skills, and strong written and spoken English.

The appointment comes with a gross annual salary of NOK 593,700 in the state salary scale, plus standard public pension and welfare benefits. If granted a 4th year, one year of career-promoting work may be distributed across the employment period and may include teaching, dissemination, or research infrastructure/services. The successful applicant must also meet the University of Bergen’s PhD enrolment requirements and participate in an approved doctoral education programme within 3 years.

To apply, submit a cover letter with your research interests, motivation, and a detailed explanation of how you meet the listed criteria; a CV; transcripts and diplomas; proof of English proficiency if required; relevant certificates/references; a list of relevant scientific works; and the contact details of two referees, one of whom should be the main advisor for the master’s thesis. Applications and certified translations must be uploaded via Jobbnorge by 12 October 2026.

For further information, contact Dr. Joshua Oldham-Dorrington or Head of Department Tor Eldevik at the Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen.