Section of Environmental Physics–Meteorology at the Department of Physics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

A fully funded PhD position is available in the Atmospheric Dynamics Group within the Section of Environmental Physics–Meteorology at the Department of Physics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, led by Assistant Professor Evangelos Tyrlis. The successful candidate will join the EU Horizon Europe project SUNRISE (Extreme events in a warming, unequal world: linking drivers to impacts for improved attribution, forecasting and regional responses).

About the Project

SUNRISE brings together 19 leading academic institutions, research centers and private companies across Europe, South America and West Africa. Coordinated by Politecnico di Milano, the project aims to advance the science of climate extremes by combining climate dynamics, attribution science, forecasting, impact assessment and climate justice. The project develops innovative datasets, analytical frameworks and early warning capabilities to improve our understanding and prediction of climate and weather extremes and to support adaptation strategies in vulnerable regions.

Research Topic

Mediterranean heat extremes are among the most severe consequences of climate change, with profound impacts on ecosystems, society and human health. Despite significant advances, important questions remain regarding the large-scale drivers and future evolution of these events.

The PhD student will investigate:

• The local and remote drivers controlling climate variability and heat extremes over the greater Mediterranean region.
• The dynamical links between the West African Monsoon and Mediterranean heat extremes using targeted sensitivity experiments with state-of-the-art climate models.
• The response of these mechanisms under future climate change scenarios.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will become part of an international network of leading scientists studying climate extremes and their impacts. The position offers:

• Full funding for 42 months.
• Extensive collaboration with partners across Europe and beyond.
• Participation in international conferences, workshops and training schools.
• Research visits and close scientific interaction with SUNRISE partners.
• Access to state-of-the-art climate models and computational resources.
• Opportunities to develop expertise in climate dynamics, climate modelling and data analysis.
• Opportunities to publish in leading international journals.
• A stimulating, supportive and highly collaborative research environment.

The preferred starting date is October 2026.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• An MSc degree (or equivalent) in atmospheric physics, meteorology, climate science, physics, applied mathematics, engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python and Linux/Unix environments.
• Excellent written and spoken English.Proficiency in Greek is beneficial, although not mandatory.

Experience or interest in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Climate dynamics and climate modelling.
• Statistics, machine learning or signal processing.
• Analysis of large observational and climate-model datasets.
• Extreme events and predictability.

We welcome applications from highly motivated candidates who enjoy interdisciplinary research and international collaboration and who are eager to contribute to advancing our understanding of climate extremes.

Applications should be submitted in English and include:

• Curriculum Vitae (including publications, if any);
• A brief statement describing previous research experience and future scientific interests;
• Two letters of recommendation.

Applications should be sent by email to:

Evangelos Tyrlis
Assistant Professor
Section of Environmental Physics-Meteorology
Department of Physics
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
15784 Athens, Greece
Email: etyrlis@phys.uoa.gr

Please use the subject line: Application for PhD position – SUNRISE

Review of applications will begin on 24 August 2026. Applications received before this date will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Informal enquiries are welcome.