Ph.D. student / Postdoc (m, w, div, n.a.) position

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.

The Atmospheric Chemistry Department (ACD) undertakes world-leading studies in multiphase atmospheric chemistry. We are looking for an experienced, motivated and productive postdoc to work at our ACD-C aerosol simulation chamber, cf. bit.ly/3eZtXNz on chamber SOA investigations and burning experiments with the Leipzig Biomass Burning Facility (LBBF) and the evaluation of past experiments. A large international project on biomass burning aerosol and its chemical processing both from smog chamber experiments and field data was conducted (BBComp) where extensive data evaluation and publications are now to be done.

Main Tasks:

- Contribute to the ongoing operation of ACD-C and LBBF regarding particle characterization and chemical modification from SOA precursors from fires, anthropogenic and biogenic emissions including the completion of the body of existing BBCOMP experiments with additional LBBF and ACD-C runs

- Interact with the other laboratory measurement, field measurement, analytical atmospheric chemistry and multiphase modelling teams of TROPOS ACD

- Analyse a large body of data that was obtained from experiments at the Leipzig Biomass Burning Facility (LBBF) and the Atmospheric Chemistry Department Chamber (ACD-C). Different solid fuels were burnt and both the primary smoke, as well as the aerosol aged under different chemical regimes was analysed by a suite of online instruments including mass spectrometers, as well as offline filter analysis for chemical marker compounds and non-target screening. Data analysis has to be taken over and a comprehensive and coherent view on the results from all instrumentation will be developed.

- Analyse data from field samples that were taken in Germany and Japan and have been analysed for a range of organic particle constituents, as well as for many unknown compounds by UPLC-Orbitrap-MS non-target screening.

- Performing source apportionment of the field samples by Positive Matrix Factorisation (PMF), constrained by the results from the chamber experiments.

- Writing publications and presenting the results at scientific international conferences.

Requirements and Skills:

- At least a Master's or a PhD degree in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental sciences incl. environmental engineering, meteorological sciences or related disciplines

- High intrinsic motivation, ability to work both independently and as well as part of a team

- Ability to integrate diverse measurements into comprehensive scientific studies

- Very good conduct of the English language, German language knowledge

- Very good paper writing skills

- Experience with advanced data processing software such as IGOR or R including programming skills

- Knowledge and experience with atmospheric in-situ instrumentation, including online mass spectrometry and offline instrumentation would be beneficial

- Knowledge in atmospheric simulation chamber studies would be beneficial

- Experience with woodburning / wildfires/ biomass burning would be beneficial

- Experience with atmospheric analytical chemistry would be beneficial

- Experience with complex atmospheric models would be helpful

- Expertise in statistical data analysis, especially source apportionment methodology would be helpful

- Background knowledge in atmospheric chemistry and physics

- For any questions, feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Hartmut Herrmann (herrmann@tropos.de)

We offer:

- The opportunity to work in the Atmospheric Chemistry Department (ACD) of TROPOS, a vibrant internationally active and internationally composed team of atmospheric chemists who will support you in further developing your career

- Fixed-term contract of 1 year (postdoc) / 3 years (Ph.D. student) based on TV-L with possibilities for continuation. Exciting potential development perspectives in atmospheric chemistry

- An exciting workplace in the lively city of Leipzig with a multifaceted job in an interdisciplinary work environment and a variety of work-life balance offers as well as flexible working hours and daycare facilities

TROPOS and TROPOS ACD value the diversity of its employees and pursue the goals of equal opportunity. The institute aims to increase the proportion of women in research and therefore encourages qualified women to apply. People with severe disabilities have priority in hiring if they have the same aptitude, ability, and professional qualifications.

Please send your complete, informative documents in written or electronic form with the keyword: ACDBBComp by May 31st 2023, exclusively electronically to bewerbung@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.

More information about TROPOS can be found on the website www.tropos.de.