Postdoc - Emerging Urban Emissions and their Impact on Atmospheric Composition

Postdoc - Emerging Urban Emissions and their Impact on Atmospheric Composition

Join to apply for the Postdoc role at Forschungszentrum Jülich

Overview

CHANEL aims to identify the key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that lead to SOA and ozone pollution. Using cutting-edge chemical ionization mass spectrometry, the project will perform field measurements across European cities, with a Zeppelin-based airborne platform capturing the “urban breath” of major population centers.

Your Job

Urban aerosol particles pose one of the greatest global risks to human health. A substantial fraction of these particles is secondary – formed through atmospheric reactions of emitted trace gases. While motor vehicle emissions have been reduced through regulation, attention is shifting to understudied sources such as volatile chemical products (VCPs) and cooking emissions, which are now emerging as key precursors to ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in urban areas.

Responsibilities

• Operate and characterize state-of-the-art mass spectrometers (PTR and NH4+-CIMS; VOCUS) to measure urban VOCs and their oxidation products
• Lead the deployment and measurements of VOCUS onboard the Zeppelin for airborne field campaigns over European cities
• Perform VOC flux measurements for the 2026 Zeppelin flights and compare urban emissions to other cities as well as results from the JULIAC campaigns
• Work with the CHARON aerosol inlet and a FUSION CIMS to analyze the particle-phase organic composition onboard the Zeppelin from 2027 onward
• Analyze large multi-dimensional datasets using statistical tools such as positive matrix factorization (PMF) and cluster analysis
• Investigate the influence of different urban emission sectors on atmospheric composition
• Present your results at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals

Your Profile

• A Masters with subsequent PhD degree in chemistry, physics, environmental science, atmospheric science, meteorology, or a related discipline
• Strong experimental skills; strong experience in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and trace gas measurements using CIMS techniques
• Enthusiasm for laboratory and field work
• Strong background in programming and data analysis (preferably Python)
• Excellent data analysis and publication capabilities
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• Ability to work independently, as part of a collaborative team, and lead projects to completion

Our Offer

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change!

• Work at one of Europe’s leading interdisciplinary research centers with a vibrant, international atmosphere
• Join a dynamic institute hosting over ten atmospheric chemistry research groups, offering rich opportunities for collaboration and learning
• Extensive opportunities for personal development and training
• A large, green campus with sports facilities and a supportive research community
• Flexible working hours in a full-time position (39 hours/week) with the option of slightly reduced working hours
• Flexible work arrangements, e.g. partly working from home
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Support services for international employees through the International Advisory Service
• Career Center & Postdoc Office support for next career opportunities (

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, and a diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities is important to us. Further information on diversity and equal opportunities:

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