Goethe University Frankfurt

The Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main is one of the largest universities in Germany with around 44,000 students and with about 5,700 employees. Founded in 1914 by Frankfurt citizens and since 2008 once again proud of its foundation status Goethe University possesses a high degree of autonomy, modernity and professional diversity. As a comprehensive university, the Goethe University offers a total of 16 departments on five campuses and 154 degree programs along with an outstanding research reputation. Furthermore the Goethe University is part of the Group of Rhine-Main-Universities (RMU).

The Institute for Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at Goethe University Frankfurt invites applications as soon as possible for a

Research Assistant (m/f/d)
PhD position
(E 13 TV-G-U, 75% part-time)

The position is limited until 30.06.2025 with the option of extension and is funded within the Transregional Collaborative Research Centre 301 “TPChange –The Tropopause Region in a Changing Atmosphere” by the German Research Foundation (DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft). The salary grade is based on the job characteristics of the collective agreement (TV-G-U) applicable to the Goethe University.

Within TPChange we aim to improve the understanding of relevant multiscale processes in the tropopause region and to specify their impact on composition, dynamics and ultimately on future climate and climate variability. The PhD candidate will work in project A05:

“Molecular fingerprints of organic aerosol in the UTLS region”

The composition of organic aerosol in the UT is a large unknown. It remains unclear how anthropogenic emissions perturb the natural aerosol formation, composition and properties in the UT. Especially, multiphase processes involving organic compounds and inorganic trace gases might enhance the yield of SOA mass, and hence affect the number of cloud condensation nuclei in the UT. We will identify SOA precursors and the relevant pathways of multiphase processes through a top-down approach that focuses on the chemical characterization of organic molecules in the particle phase.

The candidate will participate in a research flight campaign in June 2024, with the goal to sample upper-tropospheric aerosol for offline analysis (using UHPLC and Orbitrap mass spectrometry), and link the aerosol composition to specific organic precursor gases and atmospheric formation mechanisms. A new sampler for organic aerosols will therefore be operated by the candidate for the first time on a research aircraft.The PhD candidate will also work in close collaboration with the University of Mainz as well as other groups of this CRC (e.g. Max Planck Institut for Chemistry, Mainz), creating new knowledge by utilizing complementary instrumentation and facilities. Principal Investigators of this project are: Prof. Alexander Vogel (Goethe University Frankfurt) and Prof. Thorsten Hoffmann (Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz).

Requirements
The ideal candidate holds a university degree (MSc) in chemistry, physics or environmental sciences with basic knowledge in atmospheric chemistry. Experience with mass spectrometry, as well as handling, evaluation and interpretation of large datasets with adequate software (e.g. Matlab or Python) is required. Strong communication skills in English (oral and written) are crucial.

TPChange offers a comprehensive and structured training for early career researchers. In addition to self-organised activities such as workshops, trainings and a guest program. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to pursue international research visits. The consortium conducts an ambitious program to gradually enhance gender equality on all career levels.
As a member of the Graduate Academy of the Goethe-University Frankfurt (GRADE), you have access to a variety of individual training programs (e.g. language courses) and thus the opportunity for further personal education.

The Goethe University is committed to a policy of providing equal employment opportunities for both men and women alike, and therefore encourages particularly women to apply for the position offered. Individuals with severe disability will be prioritized in case of equal aptitiude and ability.

Please send your application (single pdf) to vogel@iau.uni-frankfurt.de and tpc_jobs@uni-mainz.de with reference to the code A05-PhD-GUF, including (i) a motivation letter, (ii) CV, (iii) copies of all relevant certificates, preferred starting date, and at least two contacts for reference letters by 31.12.2023. For further information, please contact vogel@iau.uni-frankfurt.de.

We look forward to your application!