Ph.D. student (f/m/d) for airborne INP measurements onboard of HALO

Leipzig, 03.07.2026

The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research is a research institute of the Leibniz Association and an internationally renowned institute in the field of aerosol and cloud research.

Introduction / Project nomination:

As a key partner in the HALO SPP, TROPOS is actively involved in aircraft-based measurements. The CIRCE project, part of the AEROCLOUD mission, addresses important scientific questions regarding the influence of aviation emissions on the formation of cirrus
clouds, with a particular focus on ice nuclei (INP) and ice particles (IPR). The Department of Atmospheric Microphysics is seeking a Ph.D. student (f/m/d) for this project with the following responsibilities:

  • Preparing and conducting aircraft-based measurement campaigns using a particle collector specially developed for the HALO research aircraft
  • Evaluating the samples collected during the measurement campaigns with regard to their ice-nucleating potential
  • Interpretation of the measurement results in close collaboration with other research institutes involved in the mission, with a focus on cirrus cloud properties
  • Presentation of the results at international conferences and publication in peerreviewed journals


Since the research focuses on the study of ice nuclei and their interactions with clouds, the necessary or desirable qualifications are:

  • Master’s degree in Meteorology or Physics
  • Strong knowledge of meteorology and atmospheric aerosols
  • Proven programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, etc.)
  • Experience in the field of aircraft-based measurements is desirable
  • Willingness to participate in aircraft measurement campaigns at home and abroad
  • Very good written and spoken English
  • Ability to work in a team and to solve problems independently
  • A Class B driver’s license is desirable


The ideal start date would be September 1, 2026, initially for a fixed term of 6 months; subject to official approval of the DFG project AEROCLOUD-CIRCE, an extension through August 31, 2029 is planned. The position offers the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D.

We offer you an exciting job with a varied activity in an interdisciplinary working environment and a variety of work and family offers as well as flexible working hours and daycare places. The employment is temporary and includes a part-time position with 30 hours / week. Remuneration is provided at TV-L pay group 13, including the attractive social benefits of the public sector. In order to increase the proportion of female employees in scientific and sciencerelated positions, we hereby specifically invite female candidates to apply. People with disabilities (“Schwerbehinderung” according to Book IX of the German Social Code) have priority in the hiring process if they have the same suitability, aptitude and professional qualifications.


If you are interested, please send your complete and informative application documents (including references) by 31.07. 2026 exclusively by e-mail in one coherent PDF document to:

bewerbung[at]tropos.de, keyword: HALO-CIRCE


Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this job offer:
Dr. Silvia Henning, +49 341 2717 7321, henning[at]tropos.de


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 selection for this job advertisement. The risks of sending documents electronically are hereby pointed out.