Analytical and Atmospheric Chemistry Scientist positions (m/f/d)

The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research is part of the Leibniz Association and an internationally renowned institute in the field of aerosol and cloud research.

We are looking for two experienced and motivated scientists for two positions:

An analytical chemist or atmospheric chemist with a strong analytical chemistry background to work on aerosol characterisation with online and offline techniques An atmospheric chemist to work on cloud chemical characterisation in the framework of the European ACTRIS research infrastructure.

Requirements:

The analytical atmospheric chemist will apply and develop analytical methods for aerosol characterisation, including online mass spectrometric techniques like PTR-MS, CIMS, EESI MS and offline hyphenated techniques like UPLC/QTOF-MS, UPLC/Orbitrap-MS or CE/TOF-MS with samples from field work and from the aerosol simulation chamber ACD-C. A strong experimental and theoretical background on the above and related analytical instrumentation is required together with the ability of analytical and technical design of solutions for questions of interest in today’s multiphase atmospheric chemistry. Active participation in both lab and field studies is expected. The successful applicant should be interested in working in the centre of TROPOS’s Atmospheric Chemistry Department (ACD) connecting field and chamber work with the extensive laboratory studies being performed as well as with model development. The ideal candidate should have a documented expertise in atmospheric gas and particle phase chemistry, experience in designing and conducting analytical aerosol and/or multiphase system research, and should be highly motivated to continuously present results at international conferences and actively publish in scientific journals.

The atmospheric chemist will help to implement the new Schmücke cloud observatory (SCO) at the Schmücke mountain in Thuringia, Germany, as well as the Centre for Cloud Water Chemistry (CCWaC) at the Cloud In-Situ Topic Centre (CIS TC) within ACTRIS and ACTRIS-D. A background on aerosol and cloud instrumentation is expected, especially including cloud water sampling and offline chemical characterisation. The position will require frequent travels to the Schmücke, including multi-day stays on-site to install and operate a variety of different aerosol and cloud instruments including online mass spectrometers. A number of intercomparison and characterisation experiments will be performed to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and implement QA/QC measures for bulk cloud water chemical composition, which requires active engagement with the ACTRIS scientific community and a frequent international travel.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a Master’s and a PhD degree in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental sciences, meteorological sciences or related disciplines and some years of experience in atmospheric sciences, analytical chemistry, atmospheric measurement techniques, and data analysis with a good resulting track record. The proficiency in analytical method development is a prerequisite. Experience in the development of technical apparatus regarding both mechanics and electronics are of advantage.

Moreover, common usage and active programming ability with tools and languages such as R, Matlab or Python is needed. Fluent English in written and spoken form is mandatory. For the ACTRIS position, German language skills can be beneficial for communication with local authorities and agencies at the SCO.

For further inquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Hartmut Herrmann (herrmann(at)tropos.de ).

You will be offered:

• The opportunity to work in TROPOS’s Atmospheric Chemistry Department (ACD), a vibrant international group of collaborative colleagues that will support you in the further development of your career
• Exposure to a network of experts and students in an interdisciplinary team to enhance your communication skills and career perspectives
• Strong linkages to Leipzig University with its Faculties of Physics and Geosciences as well as Chemistry and Mineralogy with the possibility of further academic qualification and the involvement of academic teaching
• Flexible working hours and child day-care opportunities for applicants with children
• A salary level according to the German public service regulation (TV-L 13/14) including the attractive social benefits of the public sector
• Location in Leipzig, a dynamic city in Eastern Germany, cf. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leipzig

Perspectives: Atmospheric analytical scientist: 3 years time-limited contract. If successful, possibility to be promoted to a permanent scientist position. Atmospheric chemist: Time-limited contract for the implementation (until 2026) and operational phases of ACTRIS-D (~10 years).

In order to increase the proportion of female employees in scientific and academic positions, we specifically invite female candidates to apply. People with severe disabilities have priority in their recruitment if they have the same aptitude and professional qualifications.

Please send your application including a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, certificates, your earliest possible availability, by 15 February 2022 exclusively by e-mail in one PDF document to bewerbung(at)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 selecting applicants for this job advertisement. The risks involved in sending documents electronically are hereby pointed out.

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