PhD position in atmospheric transport modelling of pollution caused by the space industry (4 years) Universität Wien

Job description:

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 atmospheric transport modelling of pollution caused by the space industry (4 years)

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 new research platform SPACETRACE (Pollution of the Atmosphere by a Rapidly Growing Space Industry) four new PhD positions are available, of which one is within our group and will focus on the transport of space-industry emissions in the atmosphere. 

Your personal sphere of influence:

We seek a highly motivated PhD student, who will carry out Lagrangian transport model simulations with FLEXPART, of the emissions originating from rocket launches as well as re-entering space objects. The PhD student will characterize transport patterns and timescales and will investigate transport differences between gaseous tracers (e.g., nitrogen oxides) and aerosols of different sizes (e.g., alumina particles). The student will work closely with the other three PhD students who will work on related topics.

Your future tasks:

• Quantify the emissions caused by the space industry;
• Characterize the circulation patterns relevant for the emissions, and quantify concentrations and residence times of the emissions in different parts of the atmosphere (e.g., mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere),
• Further develop the Lagrangian transport model FLEXPART as required for this application;
• Perform case studies and compare simulation results with measurement data, e.g., as obtained by aircraft measurements in the stratosphere;
• 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 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.

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.

Fair salary plus health care and social benefits: The gross monthly salary of at least EUR 3.776,10 on a full-time basis (payable 14 times per year, amount as of 1 January 2026) allows for a comfortable life in a vibrant city with affordable housing prices and quick access to the outdoors.

Work-life balance: You have flexible working hours and the option to partly work remotely upon agreement ("telework" / within Austria).

Training and coaching: We offer you the opportunity to develop your skills on an ongoing basis.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome diverse personalities in our team!
The University of Vienna aims to become carbon neutral by 2030: We fully support low-carbon options for travelling. 

The employment duration is 4 years. lnitially 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 non­extension declaration.

The position as university assistant (predoctoral) is available from August 2026. The review of applications will begin on 10 July, 2026. The search will continue until the decision is made but we aim for a decision as soon as possible after that.

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: 07/09/2026 

Apply now