Master student (f/m/d) for Implementation of a cross-polarised detection channel into heterodyne Doppler lidar for improved cloud studies

Leipzig, 22.08.2025

The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) in Leipzig investigates physical
and chemical processes in the polluted troposphere. Its research focuses on aerosol and
clouds, which strongly influence energy, water, trace substances, climate, and human health.
TROPOS combines field studies, laboratory experiments, and numerical models to better
understand these processes and predict the effects on humans.

In the Remote Sensing Department, we investigate aerosol and clouds with ground and
satellite based remote sensing devices, e.g. lidar and radar. The development of lidar
technology is one focus point of the department. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is a laser
based remote sensing technique used in atmospheric research to measure the distance to
aerosol and cloud particles. Additional particle properties like backscatter/ extinction
coefficient, shape or velocity can be retrieved with various types of lidar, e.g. Raman,
polarisation, or Doppler lidar. In the scope of a DFG project, a heterodyne Doppler lidar is
developed in order to observe dynamic processes in and around clouds in more detail.
This Master thesis combines optics engineering and meteorology. With the new heterodyne
Doppler lidar, the dynamics of various atmospheric compounds, e.g. aerosol and cloud
particles, are observed to study ice formation processes in more detail. A second channel to
detect the light which is depolarised by scattering at ice particles is needed to distinguish
between spherical droplets and non-spherical ice crystals.
For the following tasks TROPOS is looking for a Master candidate (f/m/d):
• Simulation of the beam path with Zemax
• Assembling and testing of different optic setups in the lab
• Conducting atmospheric measurements
• Developing algorithms to determine the depolarisation ratio
• Comparing the data with the ones of reference lidars, e.g. Multiwavelength Raman
polarisation lidar PollyXT
The scope of the thesis can be adjusted based on available time. It is possible to split off one
project thesis (Projektarbeit) and/ or an internship report (Praktikumsbericht).
Your profile:
• Motivation for transdisciplinary work in an international team (working language:
English/ German)
• Background preferably in Laser- and Optotechnologies, Microtechnology/ Physics
Engineering, Meteorology or Physics
• First experience in working with (fibre) optical setups desirable
• Basic programming skills in Python
The ideal starting date would be 01.01.2026.
We offer you to study in an interdisciplinary, open-minded working environment doing research
at the forefront. In order to diversify scientific and science-related positions, we hereby
specifically empower female, inter, trans, agender, and non-binary candidates as well as
people with disabilities to apply.
If you are interested, please send a short application document including CV and motivation letter (not more than one page) by 30.11.2025 by e-mail in one coherent PDF document to:
fritzsch@tropos.de
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this offer:
Felix Fritzsch (all pronouns)
Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)
Permoserstraße 15
04318 Leipzig
fritzsch@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