PhD Position in Atmospheric Transport Modelling of Pollution Caused by the Space Industry University of Vienna in Austria

The University of Vienna invites applications for a PhD position in atmospheric transport modelling of pollution caused by the space industry. This four-year position is based in the research group “Atmospheric Transport Processes,” led by Professor Andreas Stohl, within the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics. The group is renowned for developing the Lagrangian transport model FLEXPART and for its research on atmospheric transport processes, including greenhouse gases, pollutants, water vapour, and heat. The group also applies inverse modelling techniques to determine sources of atmospheric constituents.

This PhD position is part of the new research platform SPACETRACE, which investigates pollution of the atmosphere by the rapidly growing space industry. The successful candidate will focus on modelling the transport of emissions from rocket launches and re-entering space objects. Key tasks include characterizing transport patterns and timescales, investigating differences between gaseous tracers (such as nitrogen oxides) and aerosols (such as alumina particles), and quantifying concentrations and residence times in various atmospheric layers (mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere). The candidate will also further develop FLEXPART as needed, perform case studies, and compare simulation results with measurement data, including aircraft measurements in the stratosphere.

The position offers the opportunity to publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals, teach classes within bachelor or master programs in Meteorology, and actively participate in the Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences (VISESS) doctoral school. The candidate will work closely with three other PhD students on related topics, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment.

Applicants must hold a master or diploma in atmospheric sciences (meteorology, climatology) or a related field, possess strong programming skills, experience in data analysis and interpretation, and demonstrate a good team spirit and willingness to collaborate. A very good command of English is required. Additional desirable skills include experience with Lagrangian transport models, expert programming knowledge (preferably Python and/or Fortran), and familiarity with space-industry emissions and their atmospheric impacts.

The position offers a gross monthly salary of at least EUR 3,776.10 (full-time, payable 14 times per year), health care, and social benefits. Flexible working hours and partial remote work are possible. The University of Vienna provides excellent research infrastructure, training and coaching opportunities, and a commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. The employment duration is four years, initially limited to 1.5 years with automatic extension unless terminated within the first 12 months.

To apply, submit a short letter stating your interest, your CV with a list of publications, and contact details of two referees via the University of Vienna job portal. The review of applications begins on 10 July 2026, and the application deadline is 9 July 2026. For questions, contact Professor Andreas Stohl at [email protected]. The University of Vienna encourages applications from qualified women and supports low-carbon travel options as part of its goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.

For more information about the research group and FLEXPART, visit flexteam.univie.ac.at and flexpart.eu.