Missions

University of Lille is offering a research position focused on the precise characterization of the optical properties of ice crystals using innovative physical theory and advanced numerical methods. A key objective is to ensure spectral consistency of optical properties across a wide range of wavelengths for ice crystals of various sizes and complex shapes. This work is central for improving our understanding of ice particle and radiation interactions in both the solar and terrestrial spectrum, with applications in satellite remote sensing, atmospheric research, and the assessment of the climate impact of ice clouds, particularly cirrus. The position is closely related to the scientific context of current and upcoming satellite missions, including CNES's IASI-NG and FORUM missions.

Activities

The selected candidate will compute optical properties of single ice crystals with various shapes, with a particular focus on the use of the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). Existing numerical approaches will need to be adapted to the specificities of ice crystals and optimized for the applications listed above. The work will include computing optical properties for individual shapes and mixtures of shapes. A special emphasis will be placed on simulations tailored to high-resolution spectrometers such as IASI (near- to thermal-infrared) and FORUM (thermal- to far-infrared), with additional analyses in the visible range.

Skills

• Strong expertise in radiative transfer
• Expertise in the Lattice Boltzmann Method
• Experience with algorithm development and/or remote sensing
• Proficiency in programming, with mandatory experience in Python (knowledge of R or Fortran is a plus)
• Good written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Work Context

This position will take place within the Clouds and Radiation group at the Laboratoire d'Optique Atmosphérique (LOA), University of Lille. The candidate will collaborate with researchers at both national and international levels and will work with high performance computing environment and cloud modelling tools.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.