Student Assistant (m, f, d) for Modeling of pyro-convective clouds

Leipzig, 23.03.2026

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.
We offer you an exciting position with varied responsibilities in an interdisciplinary work environment.

Project: “Investigating the Behavior of Extreme Pyro-Cumulonimbus Events”

 

During the extreme wildfire season of 2019/2020 in southeastern Australia, extreme amounts of smoke aerosols were transported into the tropopause region within a short period of time via severe thunderstorm clouds triggered by the fires (so-called pyro-cumulonimbus clouds). From there, the aerosol spread on a global scale and could be detected in the stratosphere for several months. Although this and similar events have a major impact on the atmospheric radiation balance, little is still known about their causes and behavior. In this project, high-resolution simulations of pyro-convective clouds under various conditions will be conducted and evaluated using the modern atmospheric model ICON on the supercomputer at the German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ). The results are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the phenomenon.

 

TROPOS is seeking a student assistant (m, f, div) for the following tasks:

  • Assistance in the design and preparation of a suitable setup for the numerical experiments
  • Assistance in conducting the model runs
  • Post-processing and evaluation of the model data

 

Required and desirable qualifications:

  • Experience in Python programming,
  • Experience with Linux-based shells is desirable,
  • Experience with Jupyter notebooks is desirable.

 

The position would begin as soon as possible, with a maximum of 10 hours per week. The position is initially limited to one year. 

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Fabian Senf (senf[at]tropos.de).

 

TROPOS values the diversity of its employees and pursues the goals of equal opportunity. The institute aims to increase the proportion of female employees in scientific and science-related positions and therefore specifically encourages 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.

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.