Ph.D. student (f/m/d) for the analysis of airborne CCN / INP measurements from Antarctica

Leipzig, 15.07.2026

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:

 

For the DFG project ACCRASA—Airborne Characterization of Cloud-Relevant Aerosol Sources over Antarctica and its Margins—the Department of Atmospheric Microphysics is seeking a research associate (f/m/d) with the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. Cloud-forming particles (CCN, INP) shape Antarctic clouds and, consequently, the climate—yet their sources, variability, and efficiency are poorly understood under the continent’s pristine conditions. The goal of the ACCRASA project is to improve our understanding of the physical and chemical properties of aerosols over and at the edges of Antarctica. The focus is on the concentrations, vertical distributions, and sources of cloud-forming particles, particularly at cloud-forming altitudes.

 

Your responsibilities: 

  • Analysis and synthesis of airborne and ground-based aerosol datasets from Antarctica collected during the SANAT flight campaign (Spatial Distribution of Antarctic Aerosol and Trace Gases) as well as long-term measurements at Neumayer Station III

  • Investigation of the concentration, vertical distribution, and sources of Antarctic aerosols, particularly cloud-relevant particles (CCN, INP)

  • Linking in situ measurements with meteorological reanalyses and backward trajectories to identify source regions

  • Presenting results at international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals; contributing to the preparation of future measurement campaigns

 

Your Profile:

  • Master’s degree in meteorology, physics, or a related natural science

  • Strong knowledge of meteorology, aerosol, and cloud microphysics

  • Experience analyzing airborne and/or ground-based measurement data, ideally from aircraft campaigns

  • Excellent programming and data analysis skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB); proficiency in handling large datasets, quality control, and uncertainty estimation

  • Experience with trajectory/dispersion models (e.g., HYSPLIT, FLEXPART) and reanalysis data is desirable

  • Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an advantage

  • Ability to work well in a team, strong interdisciplinary communication skills, and an independent, structured approach to work

  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for work; willingness to participate in fieldwork under polar conditions in the future is desirable

  • A Class B driver’s license is desirable

 

Subject to official approval of the DFG ACCRASA project, the ideal start date would be September 1, 2026, with the position limited until August 31, 2029. 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 science-related 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@tropos.de

 

 

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this job offer:

Dr. Silvia Henning, +49 341 2717 7321, henning@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.

 

You can find more information about TROPOS on the homepage: www.tropos.de