ERC-funded postdoc positions: Natural experiments of aerosol-cloud interactions
Climate: Past, Present & Future (CL)
The Centre for Climate Research at the University of Tartu, Estonia, invites applications for two Postdoctoral Climate Researcher positions. These positions are part of the ERC-funded project CloudTracker exploring aerosol–cloud interactions using ship-track-like natural experiments (Toll et al. 2024 Science; Toll et al. 2019 Nature).
This is an excellent opportunity for early-career scientists who want to conduct curiosity-driven research and build an independent research profile within a supportive environment. Candidates with research experience in aerosol-cloud interactions and remote sensing of clouds are especially encouraged to apply.
Project Summary
The postdoctoral researchers will work for a larger 5-year ERC-funded research project CloudTracker (Tracking Polluted Clouds: the Plausibility of a Strong Aerosol Cooling Effect on Earth’s Climate). We use aerosol-polluted cloud tracks downwind of ships and industries to quantify responses of low clouds to aerosols. Impacts of aerosols serving as cloud condensation nuclei (Toll et al. 2019 Nature) and ice nuclei (Toll et al. 2024 Science) are studied. Anthropogenic cloud perturbations are identified using aerosol dispersion modelling and machine learning.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Analysing satellite-based cloud retrievals using Python
- Aerosol dispersion modelling using the HYSPLIT model
- Predict unobserved counterfactual unpolluted cloud properties
- Collaborate with international partners
The positions are 2-year appointments at 100% FTE and can be extended. The salary depends on experience and qualifications. Teaching and student supervision are encouraged. Applying for personal research funding and an Associate Professor position at the University of Tartu during the project is encouraged.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a PhD degree in atmospheric or climate sciences or a closely related field (at the time of appointment), good verbal and written communication skills in English, and experience with Python.
Desired
It is preferred that candidates have experience with one or more of the following: satellite remote sensing; aerosol-cloud interactions; and a strong data-analysis/programming background.
To apply, please submit the application documents at:
https://ut.ee/en/job-offer/research-fellow-climate-science-post-doc-0
Application deadline is the 2nd of March 2026.
The earliest proposed start date is April 2026, and a later start date is possible if needed. For questions about the position, please email Assoc Prof Velle Toll (velle.toll@ut.ee).