[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoc position (3.5y) on aerosol research in Darmstadt, Germany

[Konrad Kandler]

The Institute for Applied Geosciences at the
Technical University Darmstadt invites applications for a
*Postdoc position (m/f/d)*
funded within the Transregional Collaborative Research Centre 301

*TPChange – The Tropopause Region in a Changing Atmosphere*
by the German Research Foundation (DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft).

Within TPChange we aim to improve the understanding of relevant 
multiscale processes in the tropopause region and to specify their 
impact on composition, dynamics and ultimately on future climate and 
climate variability. The postdoc will work in project B02:
*Cross-seasonal Investigation Regarding the Composition of atmospheric 
trace matter Up to UTLS heightS*

The CIRCUS (B02) project investigates the seasonal variability and 
origin of atmospheric refractory trace particles in the Upper 
Troposphere–Lower Stratosphere (UTLS) above Central Europe. Besides a 
general aerosol characterization, it targets the differentiation of 
meteoric particles (MPs) and spacecraft-induced particles (SiPs), which 
may influence cirrus formation and radiative forcing and its temporal 
variability in the UTLS. A cross-seasonal balloon sounding program will 
be conducted from a stationary launch site in Mainz over 18 months, with 
~30 launches spanning at least a full seasonal cycle plus a subsequent 
winter period. This is complemented by an intensive 3-week campaign 
focusing on frontal uplift events in the polluted Rhine–Main region. The 
balloon platform is upgraded with high-resolution in-situ instruments 
(POPS, Partector-2, modified N3) and thermophoretic samplers for aerosol 
microphysics and composition. Online measurements and offline SEM-EDX 
analyses are split between JGU (Mainz) and TUDa (Darmstadt). Project 
leaders are Dr. Ralf Weigel (JGU) and Prof. Konrad Kandler (TUDa). The 
successful applicant will be employed at TUDa with a focus on aerosol 
composition. B02 is tightly embedded in the Collaborative Research 
Centre via modelling support from B01/A03 and campaign integration into 
TPEx-II. Collaborations extend internationally, including NOAA (US), 
e.g. for instrument provision.

*Requirements*
The ideal candidate holds a PhD in meteorology, atmospheric physics, 
physical chemistry, or a closely related field, and has a strong 
background in radiative interactions with particles and physical optics 
and / or electron microscopy. They are familiar with atmospheric 
thermodynamics, aerosols, and cloud microphysics, and are proficient in 
Python as well as in the fundamentals of statistics and applied 
mathematics. Experience working in Linux environments is an advantage. 
Prior fieldwork experience is highly desirable, and the position 
requires the willingness to perform regular outdoor measurements. Skills 
in basic electronics or instrumentation handling are considered a plus.

*Employment conditions*
The place of employment will be Darmstadt, the work will be distributed 
as needed between Darmstadt (SEM analysis) and Mainz (balloon 
operation). The targeted starting date is 1st January 2026 and the 
project will last until 30th June 2029.

*Applications and deadline*
Please send applications with reference to the code B02-PD-TUDa as one 
single pdf file to *tpc_jobs at uni-mainz.de*, including a motivation 
letter, CV, and copies of relevant certificates.
Review of all applications will start on *8th December 2025* and will 
continue until the position is filled.
For further information, please contact kandler at geo.tu-darmstadt.de

TPChange offers a comprehensive and structured training for early career 
researchers. In addition to self-organised activities such as workshops, 
trainings and a guest program, the successful candidate will have the 
opportunity, if desired, to pursue international research visits. The 
consortium conducts an ambitious program to gradually enhance gender 
equality on all career levels.
The Technical University Darmstadt actively supports equality, diversity 
and inclusion, and as an equal opportunity employer, the Technical 
University Darmstadt explicitly encourages applications from women as 
well as from all others who will bring additional diversity to the 
university’s research and teaching. Applicants with disabilities will be 
preferentially considered if suitably qualified.

We look forward to your application!
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