Severe convective storms inflict extensive damage in Australia, yet much about how they may change in a warming climate remains uncertain. Across the Australian continent there are a diverse range of climatic zones in which different types of severe storms and associated hazards such as extreme winds, hail, or heavy rain can form. This project seeks to better constrain convective zones in Australia and how they may be affected by climate change. Using a variety of data sources, and techniques including machine-learning methods and the use of state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction models, the student will elucidate possible changes in severe-storm hazards. The student will gain experience in statistical techniques, climate modelling, and climate science.
The project is based at the Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, under the supervision of Dr Tim Raupach. The successful candidate will be affiliated with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, an international research consortium of five Australian universities (The University of New South Wales, Monash University, The University of Melbourne, The University of Tasmania and The Australian National University) and a suite of outstanding national and international Partner Organizations. The Centre provides excellent opportunities for travel and graduate student development.
We are seeking expressions of interest from highly motivated graduates with a strong academic record (e.g. Honours Class I or Masters by Research or equivalent). We particularly encourage applications from graduates with a strong background in atmospheric or climate sciences, meteorology, mathematics, physics, and similar fields. We encourage applications from graduates with diverse backgrounds. Programming and data analysis experience will be highly valued in the selection process.
Questions can be directed to Tim Raupach (t.raupach@unsw.edu.au). Expressions of interest including a CV, full academic transcript, and the names of up to three academic referees should be sent to climate.grad@unsw.edu.au by September 9, 2022. Please note: this is not an official application – if your expression of interest is accepted, we will guide you through the official application process.