The Project

New particle formation (NPF) is the dominant source of atmospheric aerosol particle number globally, yet current atmospheric models rely on empirical nucleation parameterizations of limited physical basis. This project implements a recently developed thermodynamic nucleation framework (validated across polluted, remote, and pristine environments without kinetic fitting parameters) into the WRF-Chem regional atmospheric model. The goal is to quantify how this physically grounded scheme changes regional predictions of particle number concentrations, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), and aerosol radiative effects compared to existing parameterizations. The work will involve regional simulations over East Asia, comparison against observational networks, and sensitivity analysis of key uncertain inputs including amine concentrations.

Your Role

• Implement a new nucleation module into WRF-Chem, including extension of the aerosol size distribution to nucleation-relevant sizes

• Implement and adapt a dimethylamine (DMA) emission and chemistry module within WRF-Chem, building on existing NH₃ emission inventories and established approaches

• Conduct regional WRF-Chem simulations over East Asia and evaluate model performance against surface station observations and existing model results

• Quantify differences in predicted NPF event frequency, particle number concentration, and CCN relative to standard WRF-Chem nucleation schemes

• Lead and contribute to manuscript preparation targeting high-impact journals, with expectation of first-author publications

What We Are Looking For

• PhD in atmospheric science, meteorology, environmental science, or a closely related field

• Demonstrated experience with WRF or WRF-Chem, including compilation, configuration, and running simulations on HPC systems

• Familiarity with aerosol microphysics modules (MOSAIC or similar) is a strong advantage

• Experience with atmospheric emission inventories and/or aerosol–chemistry modeling

• Proficiency in Python and/or Fortran for model modification and output analysis

• Strong publication record relative to career stage

• Good written and spoken English

Experience with nucleation parameterizations or new particle formation is welcome but not required; the theoretical framework will be provided and the emphasis of this role is on model implementation and application.

What We Offer

• Salariy is highly competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and professional experience. Relevant policies and salary details can be found in the Human Resources Office website's "Management Measures for Recruitment of Research Series Positions at Nanjing University" (Nanjing Document [2021] No. 88)

• Access to a dedicated high-core-count workstation for day-to-day development and runs, with additional funds and allocations for more demanding supercomputing resources as needed

• Supervision by Asst. Prof. Roope Halonen (NJU) in co-supervision with Dr. Giancarlo Ciarelli and Prof. Markku Kulmala (University of Helsinki), with direct access to one of the world’s leading atmospheric science research groups and opportunities for extended research visits to Helsinki

• A clear project with defined deliverables and strong publication potential

• Position duration: 2 years, with possibility of extension

About Us

The Nanjing–Helsinki Institute in Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences was established in April 2022 through a partnership between Nanjing University (NJU) and the University of Helsinki. The institute combines the strengths of two leading research universities across observation, modeling, and theory in atmospheric and earth system sciences, with a mission to develop globally minded researchers capable of addressing pressing challenges in climate change and sustainable development. NJU is one of China’s leading research universities, offering excellent research infrastructure and a vibrant international academic community.

How to Apply

The application should include:

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) describing the candidate’s research background, methodological skills and research interests relevant for the position

2. A curriculum vitae including a list of publications

3. Contact details of two references

Interested candidates should register on the Nanjing University Talent Recruitment website (http://zp.nju.edu.cn/) to apply. Please upload copies of educational degree certificates, a list of research achievements, and other related materials as attachments. Application deadline: 2026.6.6.

For further information about the position, please contact Asst. Prof. Roope Halonen at roope.halonen@nju.edu.cn. Informal enquiries are welcome.