PhD position - Understanding the Transport of Aerosol Particles in the Upper Troposphere and Lo[...]

PhD position - Understanding the Transport of Aerosol Particles in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere and Their Interaction with Ice Clouds

Aerosol particles act as ice nucleating particles, providing surface for water vapour to deposit and freeze into ice particles. Formation of cirrus clouds and subsequent sedimentation of ice crystals can dehydrate air in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) region, thereby influencing the water vapor budget of this region. Aerosols and cirrus are important to the global climate because they interact with radiation from the sun and from the earth. However, the aerosol‑cirrus interaction in the UTLS is not well understood because of lacking sufficient in‑situ data. In addition, the dynamics and transport processes across the UTLS add complexity to unveil the role of UTLS aerosols in cirrus formation and the life cycle of cirrus. Therefore, it is crucial to measure aerosol composition and properties together with cirrus occurrences in the UTLS for achieving a better understanding of the link between aerosols and cirrus clouds in the UTLS, for which Lagrangian modelling is a valuable tool to reveal the source of UTLS aerosols, the origin of water masses, and formation processes of cirrus particles.

Your Key Responsibilities Include

• Preparation, operation, and calibration of aerosol, water vapour and cloud instruments through the research aircraft campaign
• Flight planning for aerosol and cirrus measurement missions using Lagrangian modelling
• Evaluation and interpretation of in‑situ measurement data aided by Lagrangian trajectory calculations
• Presentation of results in international conferences and publication in peer‑reviewed journals

Your Profile

• Master’s degree in meteorology, physics, environmental science or similar
• Knowledge of atmospheric dynamics and chemistry would be an advantage
• Good experimental skills and interest in working with custom‑built or modified instruments
• Solid programming skills (e.g. Python) are desirable
• Ability to work independently and self‑reliantly, while maintaining strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Fluent in English

Please feel free to apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge. We may be able to teach you missing skills during your induction.

Our Offer

• A cutting‑edge topic in a highly relevant research field addressing the major uncertainties associated with ice clouds in climate prediction
• An exciting, interdisciplinary research environment within the Collaborative Research Centre TPChange program funded by the German Research Foundation and the European Research Infrastructure IAGOS
• Opportunities to attend conferences abroad and visit internationally renowned scientific groups
• Membership in the HiTEC Graduate School and the TPChange PhD program, providing additional scientific and professional training, international networking, and exchange opportunities
• Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for developing soft skills
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
• 30 days of annual leave
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors:

The project has a duration until June 2029 and therefore the position is initially limited until . Further information on the project is available at: DFG CRC TPChange

Pay is in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). The monthly salaries in euro can be found on the BMI website: Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich (including its various branch offices) is available at

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us. The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options for women:

Seniority level

• Internship

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Research

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