Open Positions

The Leipzig Institute for Meteorology (LIM), Germany, invites applications for a

PhD Position

 Variability of Arctic cloud top cooling as a function of cloud microphysical properties derived from airborne thermal infrared imagery

We offer a PhD position to study Arctic clouds using state of the art airborne remote sensing instruments. The aim of this project is to use downward viewing airborne thermal infrared imagery to investigate the cloud top temperature with high spatial (< 10 m pixel size) and temporal (100 Hz) resolution. The measurements will be used to quantify the influence of spatial cloud inhomogeneities on the cloud top cooling, a key process leading to the long life time of Arctic clouds and potentially contributing to the amplified Arctic warming (Arctic Amplification). Details of the project motivation are given below.

The position is funded within the Transregional Collaborative Research Center TR172 on “ArctiC Amplification: Climate Relevant Atmospheric and SurfaCe Processes, and Feedback Mechanisms (AC)³” (www.ac3-tr.de) by the University Leipzig. Within the TR172, LIM together with the collaboration partners (Universities of Cologne and Bremen, TROPOS and Alfred Wegener Institute) aim to better observe, understand, and simulate processes leading to the current drastic climate changes in the Arctic. The PhD candidate will work in close collaboration with these (AC)³ partners and link own results to their modelling and satellite remote sensing activities.

Terms of employment

The PhD position (65% TV-L E13) is awarded for 3 years and open starting as soon as possible. We offer a productive and interdisciplinary working group including comprehensive supervision and integration into the Leipzig Graduate School on Clouds, Aerosol and Radiation (http://www.lgs-car.tropos.de/) which is part of the ITRG of (AC)³ (https://www.ac3-tr.de/phd/).

Qualification requirements

For the PhD position we expect strong interest in atmospheric science, in particular in cloud physics, remote sensing, radiative transfer, and climate. Applicants should have a Master in Meteorology or a related field. Experience in high-level scientific programming for data analysis is desirable. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.

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Applications

 Interested candidates should send a cover letter describing background; a CV, training and research interests; certificates; and the contact information of two referees as a single PDF to

michael.schaefer[at]uni-leipzig.de.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.

Selection

The selection for the position will be based solely on scientific merit without regard to gender, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital or family status or other differences. Among equally qualified candidates, handicapped candidates will be given preference.

PhD student positions (m, f, div)
The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research is part of the Leibniz Association and an internationally renowned institute in the field of aerosol and cloud research. In the Atmospheric Chemistry Department the tropospheric multiphase system is investigated by field measurements and analysis, laboratory studies and multiphase modelling.
In the framework of the project OCEAN-GATE we are looking for highly motivated PhD students to work on the topic of interactions between marine aerosol particles and the ocean surface. Specifically, the project OCEAN-GATE aims at gaining a better understanding on the origin of atmospheric relevant organic matter compounds in marine  aerosol particles in the Antarctic regarding oceanic transfer and in-situ production by combining tank and field experiments
Tasks

• Application of analytical methods for the determination of organic trace components (proteins, amino acids, polysaccharides) in marine field samples (aerosol particles, seawater)
• Evaluation, analysis and interpretation of the measurement data within the framework of the doctoral thesis
• Close interdisciplinary cooperation with the other international project partners
• Co-organisation and participation in laboratory and field measurement campaigns
• The PhD candidate will participate a ship campaign over several weeks in the Southern Ocean / Antarctica in the beginning of 2023

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental sciences, or related disciplines. Experiences in atmospheric sciences and analytical chemistry (e.g. HPLC-MS) is desired. Knowledge of atmospheric measurement techniques, experience of data analysis using statistical methods, and knowledge of  programming languages like R, Matlab or Python are of advantage. Fluent English in written and oral form is mandatory. A cumulative dissertation including three publications in scientific peer-reviewed journals will be expected. Further questions regarding can be emailed to Dr. Manuela van Pinxteren (manuela[at]tropos.de) and
Prof. Hartmut Herrmann (herrmann[at]tropos.de)

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You will be offered

• The opportunity to work in an international group of collaborative colleagues that will support you in obtaining your career goals.
• Exposure to a network of experts and students in an interdisciplinary team to enhance your communication skills and career perspectives.
• Flexible working hours and children day-care opportunities for applicants with children.
• A salary level according to the German public service regulation (65% TV-L 13) including the attractive social benefits of the public sector.

In order to increase the proportion of female employees in scientific and academic positions, we specifically invite female candidates to apply. People with severe disabilities have priority in their recruitment if they have the same aptitude and professional qualifications.
Please send your application including a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, certificates, your earliest possible availability, and, if possible, contact details of 2 references by 15 February 2022 exclusively by e-mail in one PDF document to bewerbung[at]tropos.de. The position should preferably start in April 2022 and is limited to three years.
By submitting the application documents by e-mail, the applicant agrees to the storage/processing of personal data in accordance with Art. 13 DSGVO for the purpose of  selecting applicants for this job advertisement. The risks involved in sending documents electronically are hereby pointed out.