Senior Scientist Core Facility "ACTRIS"

As a Senior Scientist, you will join the Aerosol Physics and Environmental Physics (AEP) Group led by Prof. Bernadett Weinzierl at the University of Vienna’s Faculty of Physics. We combine advanced laboratory, ground-based, and aircraft experiments with innovative modeling to investigate the physical and chemical properties of aerosols and clouds across nanometer to micrometer scales. We are seeking a motivated Senior Scientist to strengthen our team. You will help build and operate the forthcoming ACTRIS National Facility/University of Vienna Core Facility (CF) for in situ aerosol measurements and work on pioneering projects in atmospheric and climate research. You will collaborate regularly with leading international institutions-including the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)-and key industry partners such as Airbus and other companies.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You will be involved in unique ground-based and airborne research projects with top scientific institutions such as NASA, NOAA, and NCAR, and contribute to large (aircraft) measurement campaigns including SABRE, INSPYRE, and others
• You will participate in multi-week field deployments for aircraft-based measurements
• Your research will focus on airborne in-situ observations of aerosol and ice particles with Optical Array Probes (OAPs) and complementary aerosol instrumentation
• You will develop novel methods and analysis tools for coarse-mode aerosol and cloud data (e.g., image processing, machine learning)
• You will advance and maintain the University of Vienna Core Facility (CF) “ACTRIS Aerosol Observatory” instrumentation, and coordinate CF participation in external field campaigns (e.g., with NASA, NOAA, NCAR, Airbus) focused on ice particle measurements
• You will collect, process, quality control, and deliver measurement data to support Austria’s contribution to ACTRIS and to deliver collected data to internal and external users of the CF
• You will analyze and interpret data from the CF, and from past and upcoming ground- and airborne field experiments
• You will increase the CF’s visibility through outreach and presence at scientific conferences and with commercial exhibitors
• You will serve as Laser Safety Officer, including risk assessment, training, and documentation
• You will contribute to project applications and the acquisition of third-party funding
• You will independently teach courses as defined by the collective agreement, and (co-) supervise students
• You will train students at all levels on the latest aerosol measurement methods and on software development for in-situ aerosol data analysis

• Completed doctoral degree/PhD degree in physics and/or aerosol-related topics such as atmospheric sciences, aerosol chemistry or meteorology
• Professional expertise: Knowledge in atmospheric/aerosol physics and (in-field) experimental work, including experience with in-situ aerosol measurement techniques, aerosol instrument development, and airborne in situ aerosol measurements
• Excellent programming skills (especially in Python), and proven experience in collaborative software development using version control systems (git)
• Reliable, regular presence in the laboratory on site in Vienna
• Willingness to travel: internationally for measurement campaigns in the USA and other countries; trips with a typical duration of several weeks are necessary
• Willingness and ability to participate in research flights, and to operate airborne instrumentation during research flights
• You are a team player with good social/communication skills as the goal will only be achieved in a team
• An excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 or higher), German is desirable but not required
• Class B driving license

Desirable

• Experience to initiate, negotiate, and manage partnerships with academia and industry
• Experience with Optical Array Probes (e.g. CIP, PIP, 2DS, HVPS etc.) and end-to-end workflows from data acquisition to image analysis
• Training as a laser safety officer is considered an asset
• Experience in teaching classes and supervising students
• Initiative in finding solutions for technical and scientific problems

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary is EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year for senior scientists postdoctoral) and increases if we can credit professional experience.

At the University of Vienna, almost 11,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,700 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting-edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a/an …