from Wolfgang Finsterle

PMOD/WRC is curently seeking a candidate for a PhD project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF). The project goals are to understand and correct the absorptivity changes of our solar radiometers in space and to develop a new absorptive black coating with ideal optical, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties, as well as good applicability to radiometric sensors. Total Solar Irradiance (TSI) is an Essential Climate Variable (ECV). It is continuously monitored with dedicated solar radiometers from space. In order to detect and quanitify the secular changes in the TSI the highest level of accuracy and stability is required for these measurements. Over the past decade significant improvements have been made to the thermal and optical design of TSI radiometers, leaving sensor absorptance and degradation as the largest contribution to the measurement uncertainty. PMOD/WRC is a world leading institute in the field of solar radiometry. We calibrate and operate radiometers on the ground and in space. We aim at flying an improved version of our DARA radiometer on the ESA PROBA-3 mission, wich is to be launched in 2018 or 19. The successful candiate will be closely involved with the development of the DARA radiometer for PROBA-3. The successful applicant will work at PMOD/WRC in Davos Dorf, Switzerland. Regular visits to University of Zurich will be required. The position is open as of 1 November 2015. The project is currently funded for 3 years. Applicants who hold a master in physics or a related field are invited to send their resume to Dr. Wolfgang Finsterle (wolfgang@pmodwrc.ch).