University of Vienna

At the University of Vienna, over 10,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,500 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.

Homepage: https://klimadynamik.univie.ac.at/

The research team “Climate Dynamics and Modeling,” co-led by Prof. Aiko Voigt and senior scientist Dr. Blaž Gasparini, is part of the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics. We integrate innovative research, excellent teaching, and accessible outreach. While we study various topics ranging from future climate change to the climates of Earth-like extrasolar planets, all of our work is related to clouds, radiation, and atmospheric circulation. Climate models are at the core of our research, in particular models that simulate global weather and climate at kilometer-scale resolution.

To learn more about our team, we invite you to visit our team website.

Your personal sphere of action:

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher, who will focus on the use of global km-scale models to address key questions related to high clouds. Possible research directions for the position can include:

• coupling of high-clouds with atmospheric circulations;
• impact of parameterized high cloud processes, particularly microphysics and radiation, on simulation climate and weather;
• role of high clouds for the climate dynamics and habitability of Earth-like exoplanets.

You can also propose your own research topic provided that it takes advantage of high-resolution modeling and is placed within the broader theme of cloud-climate-circulation interactions.

We expect the successful candidate to make strong use of global and/or limited-area high-resolution simulations with ICON run with kilometer- and hectometer-scale resolutions. While there is a strong focus on modeling, we welcome work that seeks to link models with the analysis of satellite and in-situ atmospheric observations and theoretical frameworks. In addition, the group has developed a 3D cloud tracking tool that can be incorporated into the postdoc’s research, potentially strengthening the links to data science.

You will work closely with both Aiko Voigt and Blaž Gasparini.

Your future tasks:
Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You advance the understanding of high clouds and their role for climate and weather.
• You prepare, perform and analyze high-resolution model simulations using high-performance computing resources.
• You disseminate your research through high-quality peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences.
• You teach independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement, including the (co)supervision of BSc and MSc theses.
• You write and contribute to project applications and the acquisition of third-party funding.
• You provide scientific and technical support to team members and students.
• You help to build and shape the positive, collaborative culture of our young and growing department.

This is part of your personality:

• Ph.D. (completed before start of employment) in climate science, atmospheric science, meteorology, or a related field
• Programming and data analysis experience
• Experience with running climate or weather models
• Creativity and curiosity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Ambition to plan and conduct independent research that pushes the boundaries of climate science
• Strong English communication skills

• Experience with ICON or similar models, including modification of source code and model setup for specific research objectives
• Knowledge of cloud physics (including aerosol-cloud interactions), radiation, atmospheric dynamics, and climate dynamics

What we offer:

• A longer-than-average postdoctoral contract: to give you enough time to develop your own research agenda and establish yourself as a leading expert in the field.
• Inspiring and supportive working atmosphere: You will be part of an international team in a healthy and fair working environment (see the public document on our team culture and values) with excellent research infrastructure.
• Fair salary plus health care and social benefits: The gross salary of at least EUR 4.752,30 (14 times per year) allows for a comfortable life in a vibrant city with quick access to the outdoors.
• Work-life balance: You have flexible working hours and the option to partly work from home upon agreement.
• 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 traveling.

The position is available immediately. Our preferred start date is March 2025 or before, but we are happy to accommodate your schedule if that does not work for you. Review of applications will begin on Dec 1, 2024. The search will continue until the decision is made.

We offer a three years contract. There might be the opportunity to extend it to six years in total by mutual agreement.

• With a 1-page description of your research interests, including a brief outline of a proposed research project
• With your CV including a list of publications and presentations
• With contact details of two persons who could provide a recommendation upon request
• Via the University of Vienna Job Portal