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The Institute for Applied Geosciences at the<br>
Technical University Darmstadt invites applications for a<br>
<b>Postdoc position (m/f/d)</b><br>
funded within the Transregional Collaborative Research Centre 301<br>
<br>
<b>TPChange – The Tropopause Region in a Changing Atmosphere</b><br>
by the German Research Foundation (DFG, Deutsche
Forschungsgemeinschaft).<br>
<br>
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:<br>
<b>Cross-seasonal Investigation Regarding the Composition of
atmospheric trace matter Up to UTLS heightS</b><br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
<b>Requirements</b><br>
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.<br>
<br>
<b>Employment conditions</b><br>
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. <br>
<br>
<b>Applications and deadline</b><br>
Please send applications with reference to the code B02-PD-TUDa as
one single pdf file to <b><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:tpc_jobs@uni-mainz.de">tpc_jobs@uni-mainz.de</a></b>, including a
motivation letter, CV, and copies of relevant certificates.<br>
Review of all applications will start on <b>8th December 2025</b>
and will continue until the position is filled.<br>
For further information, please contact <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:kandler@geo.tu-darmstadt.de">kandler@geo.tu-darmstadt.de</a><br>
<br>
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.<br>
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.<br>
<br>
We look forward to your application!<br>
<br>
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