Postdoc in Emerging Urban Emissions and their Impact on Atmospheric Composition

Join our team from 01.01.2026 as

Postdoc - Emerging Urban Emissions and their Impact on Atmospheric Composition

At the Institute of Climate and Energy Systems - Troposphere (ICE-3) we explore the chemistry of the troposphere through atmospheric observations and simulation experiments, performs global observations, and simulates atmospheric chemistry and transport processes by numerical models. ( https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/ice/ice-3 ). As a postdoctoral researcher, you will join the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant project CHANEL – Household chemical amplifying urban aerosol pollution, led by Dr. Georgios Gkatzelis at the Institute for Climate and Energy (ICE-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich.

Institute issuing the offer: ICE-3

Your Job:

Urban aerosol particles pose one of the greatest global risks to human health. A substantial fraction of these particles is secondary – formed through atmospheric reactions of emitted trace gases. While motor vehicle emissions have been reduced through regulation, attention is shifting to understudied sources such as volatile chemical products (VCPs) and cooking emissions, which are now emerging as key precursors to ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in urban areas.

CHANEL aims to identify the key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that lead to SOA and ozone pollution. Using cutting-edge chemical ionization mass spectrometry, the project will perform field measurements across European cities, with a Zeppelin-based airborne platform capturing the “urban breath” of major population centers.

As a research scientist, you will:

• Operate and characterize state-of-the-art mass spectrometers (PTR and NH4+ -CIMS; VOCUS) to measure urban VOCs and their oxidation products
• Lead the deployment and measurements of VOCUS onboard the Zeppelin for airborne field campaigns over European cities
• Perform VOC flux measurements for the 2026 Zeppelin flights and compare urban emissions to other cities as well as results from the JULIAC campaigns.
• Work with the CHARON aerosol inlet and a FUSION CIMS to analyze the particle-phase organic composition onboard the Zeppelin from 2027 onward
• Analyze large multi-dimensional datasets using statistical tools such as positive matrix factorization (PMF) and cluster analysis
• Investigate the influence of different urban emission sectors on atmospheric composition
• Present your results at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals

Your Profile:

• A Masters with subsequent PhD degree in chemistry, physics, environmental science, atmospheric science, meteorology, or a related discipline
• Strong experimental skills; strong experience in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and trace gas measurements using CIMS techniques
• Enthusiasm for laboratory and field work
• Strong background in programming and data analysis (preferably Python)
• Excellent data analysis and publication capabilities
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• Ability to work independently, as part of a collaborative team, and lead projects to completion

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change!

• Work at one of Europe’s leading interdisciplinary research centers with a vibrant, international atmosphere
• Join a dynamic institute hosting over ten atmospheric chemistry research groups, offering rich opportunities for collaboration and learning
• Extensive opportunities for personal development and training
• A large, green campus with sports facilities and a supportive research community
• Flexible working hours in a full-time position (39 hours/week) with the option of slightly reduced working hours
• Flexible work arrangements, e.g. partly working from home
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Support services for international employees through the International Advisory Service
• Exploration and preparation of next career opportunities supported by our Career Center & Postdoc Office ( https://www.fz-juelich.de/careercenter )

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

Apply now and join us in unraveling the chemical complexity of urban air in Europe’s most exciting airborne platform.

Learn more about our group here: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/ice/ice-3/research/reactive-trace-substances/organic-trace-gases

We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. The position is for a fixed term of 2 years, with the prospect of longer-term employment. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group 13, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them. All information about the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed The monthly salaries in euro can be found here: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed.entgelt

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

Further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality

The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application via our
Online-Recruitment-System!

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Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via email.

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