PhD position in inverse modelling of greenhouse gases and radioactivity in the atmosphere

Organisation/Company Universität Wien Research Field Geography » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 1 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Austria Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 30 Offer Starting Date 1 Dec 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a

PhD position in inverse modelling of greenhouse gases and radioactivity in the atmosphere (4 years)

53 Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy
Startdate: | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Reference no.: 6309

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,700 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team

The research group “Atmospheric Transport Processes,” led by Prof. Andreas Stohl, is part of the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics. The group develops the Lagrangian transport model FLEXPART and studies all aspects of transport in the atmosphere, ranging from greenhouse gases to pollutants, water vapour and heat, and uses inverse modelling techniques to determine sources of greenhouse gases, radionuclides, or air pollutants.

In the framework of the research association VINAR (Vienna Network for Atmospheric Research) with the Austrian weather service, Geosphere Austria, we have a PhD position available in our group.

We seek a highly motivated PhD student, who will carry out Lagrangian transport model simulations with FLEXPART, and apply inverse methods to determine the emissions of greenhouse gases and/or radionuclides into the atmosphere. The PhD student will be involved in ongoing and future research projects conducted jointly by the University of Vienna and Geosphere Austria, as well as with other collaboration partners.

While the focus of the PhD study will be discussed with the successful candidate, possible tasks will be:

• Quantify greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., of methane or carbon dioxide) based on flux, concentration or remote sensing measurements of these gases;
• Quantify emissions of radionuclides (e.g., Cs-137) released from historic nuclear weapons tests and accidents in nuclear power plants based on available atmospheric concentration as well as deposition data;
• Further develop the Lagrangian transport model FLEXPART as required for these applications;
• Further develop the inverse modelling techniques used for constraining emissions into the atmosphere;
• Publish your scientific results in peer-reviewed journals;
• Teach classes within our bachelor or master programs in Meteorology (independently / within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement);
• Strengthen the collaborative culture of our team and the Department;
• Become an active member of the Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences (VISESS / doctoral school).

This is part of your personality:

• Completed master or diploma in the atmospheric sciences (e.g., meteorology, climatology), or a related field;
• Data analysis and interpretation experience;
• A good team spirit and willingness to collaborate;
• Very good command of the English language.

These skills would be an advantage:

• Experience with Lagrangian transport models;
• Expert knowledge of programming, preferably in Python and/or Fortran;
• Experience with space-industry based emissions and their impact on the atmosphere.

Additional Information

What we offer:

• VISESS doctoral school: You will enroll in the Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences, which offers specific education and training events.
• Work-life balance : You have flexible working hours and the option to partly work from home upon agreement.
• Inspiring and supportive working atmosphere: You will be part of an international team in a healthy and fair working environment with excellent research infrastructure. You will not perform your work in isolation but collaborate with a strong research team.