The Institut für Physik der Atmosphäre of the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen (near Munich) invites applications for a
PhD position in experimental atmospheric aerosol research
Influence of (deep) convection on particle formation and aerosol budget in the free troposphere from airborne observations with DLR Falcon and HALO
We seek a highly motivated candidate with a background in atmospheric physics, meteorology or a similar field with strong experimental skills to work on a project focusing on the measurement of atmospheric aerosol particles from research aircraft. The project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) within the priority program for the new German research aircraft HALO. The project addresses one of the key topics in current atmospheric and climate research, namely the interaction of atmospheric aerosol particles with clouds and related convection processes.
It will be the task of the successful candidate to work with the different measurement techniques DLR has established to determine microphysical properties of atmospheric aerosol particles by airborne in-situ measurements. This comprises working with condensation particle counters (CPCs), laser-based optical aerosol spectrometers, differential mobility analyzers and other instruments. In order to be able to conduct accurate, high quality measurements, in-depth laboratory characterization of instrument performance within the extended altitude (pressure) range of HALO, in particular of new CPCs, is an essential part of this project.
Moreover, active participation of the PhD student in aircraft field deployments of the research aircraft DLR Falcon and, later, HALO is expected. An initial key activity is the DC3 experiment planned for May/June 2012 in Kansas, USA, to which the DLR Falcon will contribute with aerosol and trace gas measurements in the vicinity of thunderstorms. Using data of this and other experiments, the research within this project shall aim at learning more about the occurrence of new particle formation in the free troposphere and the further evolution of particle properties (like size distribution), in connection to atmospheric dynamics.
The Institut für Physik der Atmosphäre of DLR is located in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich. Further information can be found on the institute’s homepage: http://www.dlr.de/ipa/
The position is available for 3 years and is open to be filled starting in January 2012. Remuneration will be according to the German TVöD 13 level (50 %). Applications should include full CV and a cover letter explaining motivation and background of the candidate (in German or English; electronic submission is welcome).
There is the possibility to participate in the DLR_Graduate_Program.
For further information or to submit an application, please contact:
Dr. Andreas Minikin, DLR, Institut für Physik der Atmosphäre, Oberpfaffenhofen, 82234 Weßling, Germany. E-mail: andreas.minikin@dlr.de.
Phone: +49-(0)8153-28-2538.