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

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

Job vacancy starting: 12/01/2026 | Working hours:  30.00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Limited contract until

Job ID:  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!

Your personal sphere of influence

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.

To learn more about our team, we invite you to visit our website:  https://flexteam.univie.ac.at/ . To learn more about FLEXPART, visit https://www.flexpart.eu/ .

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.

Your future tasks

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;

• Strong programming skills;

• 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.

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.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fair salary plus health care and social benefits: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10 (on a full-time Basis) increases if we can credit professional experience and allows for a comfortable life in a vibrant city with affordable housing prices and quick access to the outdoors.

Get off to a great start in your new job: the  Welcome Compass helps you settle into your new role at the University of Vienna and life in Vienna.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

The University of Vienna aims to become carbon neutral by 2030: We fully support low-carbon options for travelling.

The position as university assistant (predoctoral) is available from  01 December 2026 . The latest starting date is 15 December 2026. The review of applications will begin on 1 November, 2026. The search will continue until the decision is made but we aim for a decision as soon as possible after that.

The employment duration is 4 years . Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

It is that easy to apply

• With a short letter stating your interest in the position;

• With your CV including a list of publications;

• With contact details of two persons who could provide a recommendation upon request;

• Via our job portal / Apply now - button.

If you have any questions, please contact

Andreas Stohl

andreas.stohl@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team! The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities , the advancement of women and  diversity . We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

Data protection ​Application deadline:  11/01/2026

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