PhD Position in Atmospheric Transport Modelling of Pollution Caused by the Space Industry
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 andreas.stohl@univie.ac.at. 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.
