Postdoctoral Researcher in Ocean–Sea Ice Interactions at TU Delft – Netherlands

Summary

TU Delft offers a fully funded postdoctoral position within the ERC ICE-FLOE project to study ocean–sea ice interactions. The role involves developing and running high‑resolution coupled simulations, analysing in‑situ and remote‑sensing data, and creating parameterisations for climate models. The successful candidate will collaborate with TU Delft researchers and international partners, contribute to publications and conferences, and may support an Antarctic research cruise. The contract is temporary for 1–3 years, with a workload of 38–40 hours per week, and salary follows the Dutch university collective agreement. Benefits include pension, flexible work, generous leave, training, parental leave, health programmes, relocation and dual‑career support. Applications close on 10 November 2026.

Key Facts

Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Oceanography, Cryospheric science, Climate science, Atmospheric science
Research Area	Ocean–Sea Ice Interactions
Degree Required	PhD
Salary	According to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (exact amount not specified)
Funding	Fully funded postdoctoral position (ERC ICE-FLOE project)
Contract Duration	1–3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-10
Required Documents	Curriculum vitae, including a publication list, Motivation letter of 2–3 pages, MSc degree transcripts, Copy of the PhD thesis or a draft thesis/research write‑up, Contact details for at least three references
Employer Contact	Mukund Gupta, Email: [email protected]

About the Project

The ERC ICE-FLOE project aims to improve understanding and modelling of coupled ocean–sea ice processes such as turbulence, melting, and ice breakage. By using high‑resolution numerical models (LES and DEM) and validating them against Arctic and Antarctic observations, the project will develop parameterisations for coarser‑resolution global climate models, enhancing predictions of sea‑ice dynamics and climate feedbacks.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and run detailed coupled ocean–sea ice simulations
• Investigate turbulent interactions between ocean water and sea ice
• Study fine‑scale sea‑ice melting, breakage, and solid‑fluid processes
• Use Large Eddy Simulation and Discrete Element Modelling approaches
• Validate numerical results against Arctic and Antarctic observations
• Analyse in‑situ and remote‑sensing datasets
• Develop parameterisations for coarser‑resolution climate models
• Collaborate with researchers at TU Delft and international partner institutions
• Contribute to publications, conferences, and project meetings
• Potentially assist with a research cruise in Antarctica

Required Skills

• PhD in a relevant field (oceanography, cryospheric science, climate science, atmospheric science)
• Strong interest in ocean–sea ice interactions and solid‑fluid mechanics
• Ability to work independently and manage research activities
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Experience with Large Eddy Simulations (advantageous)
• Background in turbulence research (advantageous)
• Julia programming skills (advantageous)
• Numerical modelling of oceanic, atmospheric, or cryospheric processes (advantageous)
• Experience with coupled multiphysics simulations (advantageous)

Who Should Apply

Applicants who hold a PhD in oceanography, cryospheric science, climate science, atmospheric science or a related discipline, have a strong interest in ocean–sea ice processes, can work independently, and possess excellent written and spoken English. Candidates with experience in large‑eddy simulations, turbulence research, Julia programming, or coupled multiphysics modelling are especially encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Pension scheme through ABP
• Flexible working arrangements
• 232 leave hours annually based on a 38‑hour work week
• Individual employment package options
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Partially paid parental leave
• Health and vitality programmes
• Relocation support through TU Delft’s Coming to Delft Service
• Dual Career Programme support for accompanying partners

About the Employer

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is offering a fully funded postdoctoral position within the ERC ICE-FLOE project, focusing on ocean–sea ice interactions and climate modelling. The university highlights its collaborative environment, international partnerships, and comprehensive support services for staff relocation and dual‑career needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the contract duration?

The contract lasts for 1–3 years.

What is the salary basis?

Salary and benefits follow the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (exact amount not specified).

How many references are required?

Contact details for at least three references must be provided.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is 10 November 2026.

Who is the contact person for inquiries?

Mukund Gupta (email: [email protected]).