Head of the European Center for Aerosol Calibration and Characterization (CAIS-ECAC) and Researcher in Atmospheric Microphysics

Leipzig, 22.01.2026

The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) is a research institute of the Leibniz Association and an internationally renowned institute in the field of aerosol and cloud research. ACTRIS (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure, www.actris.eu) is a European research infrastructure for quality-assured observation of aerosols, clouds, and short-lived trace gases. ACTRIS serves to investigate the complex interactions between gases, aerosols and clouds, especially in the areas of climate and air quality.

We are looking for an outstanding personality in the field of aerosol research with in-depth experience in measurement technology and quality assurance for the Department of Atmospheric Microphysics (AMP).
In addition to research activities, the position encompasses the lead of CAIS-ECAC. It is important to maintain close contact with all institutions within CAIS-ECAC and to work together to shape the future of ACTRIS and CAIS-ECAC. An enthusiasm for international cooperation and a vision for further development are just as important as technical expertise and experience in applying for international third-party funding in order to continue and strengthen the consortium through new European applications.

Your tasks:

  • Research on Atmospheric Microphysics in the AMP Department
  • Strategic management and coordination of CAIS-ECAC within the framework of ACTRIS--ERIC
  • Ensuring and monitoring scientific and qualitative standards for aerosol characterization
  • Advancing technical innovations in the field of aerosol measurement technology and data processing
  • Public representation of CAIS-ECAC and stimulating scientific discourse in an international context and at specialist conferences
  • Organization of aerosol in-situ community meetings and scientific discourse
  • Education of young aerosol researchers (conducting summer & winter schools in a team)
  • Establishing and promoting European cooperation
  • Publication in international journals
  • Willingness to travel

Your profile:

  • University degree and doctorate in a field related to atmospheric research

  • Outstanding achievements in the field of aerosol research

  • Management experience

  • Extensive experience with international projects

  • Experience in acquiring third-party funding

  • Excellent communication skills (in English); knowledge of German is an advantage

 

The position is to be filled as soon as possible and is initially limited to 3 years with the prospect of long-term employment.

 

We offer an exciting position with varied tasks in an interdisciplinary working environment and a wide range of measures to promote work-life balance, as well as flexible working hours and childcare places. The position is a full-time position with 40 hours per week. Remuneration is based on qualifications in accordance with TV-L, including attractive public sector social benefits. In order to increase the proportion of female employees in scientific and science-related positions, we hereby expressly invite female applicants to apply. Severely disabled persons (according to the Ninth Book of the Social Code) will be given preference if they have the same aptitude, skills, and professional qualifications.

If you are interested, please send your complete and informative application documents (including references and a letter of motivation) with subject CAIS-ECAC-2026 by March 2, 2026, exclusively by email to application@tropos.de in a single PDF document.

 

If you have any questions about this job posting, please contact:

Ina Burkert (burkert@tropos.de), Mira Pöhlker (poehlker@tropos.de)

 

By sending their application documents by email, applicants consent to the storage/processing of personal data in accordance with Art. 13 GDPR for the purpose of selection for this job advertisement. We hereby draw your attention to the risks associated with sending documents electronically.

 

Further information about TROPOS can be found on the homepage: www.tropos.de .