Andreas Stohl

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 Atmospheric Transport Processes research group, 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 applies inverse modelling techniques to determine sources of atmospheric constituents and collaborates closely with the Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences (VISESS). This PhD project is part of the new SPACETRACE research platform, 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 using FLEXPART. Key tasks include quantifying emissions, characterizing circulation patterns, determining concentrations and residence times in various atmospheric layers (mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere), further developing FLEXPART for this application, performing case studies, and comparing simulation results with measurement data (e.g., aircraft measurements in the stratosphere). The candidate will also publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals, teach classes in meteorology, and actively participate in the collaborative culture of the department and VISESS doctoral school. Applicants should hold a completed master or diploma in atmospheric sciences (such as meteorology or climatology) or a related field. Essential skills include strong programming abilities, data analysis and interpretation experience, teamwork, and excellent English proficiency. Additional advantages are experience with Lagrangian transport models, expert programming skills (Python and/or Fortran), and familiarity with space-industry emissions and their atmospheric impacts. The University of Vienna offers a supportive and international research environment, excellent infrastructure, and opportunities for ongoing training and skill development. The position provides a gross monthly salary of at least EUR 3,776.10 (full-time, paid 14 times per year), health care, and social benefits. Flexible working hours and partial remote work are available. The employment duration is four years, initially limited to 1.5 years with automatic extension unless terminated within the first 12 months. The university is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and the advancement of women, with preference given to equally qualified female candidates. Applications should include a short letter of interest, CV with publication list, and contact details for two referees. Apply via the University of Vienna job portal or the 'Apply now' button. The review of applications begins July 10, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. For questions, contact Professor Andreas Stohl at [email protected]. For more information about the research group and FLEXPART, visit flexteam.univie.ac.at and flexpart.eu . This is an excellent opportunity for motivated candidates interested in atmospheric science, environmental modelling, and the impacts of the space industry on our planet's atmosphere.

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 .