University of Tartu

Homepage: https://ut.ee/en

Description

The Centre for Climate Research at the University of Tartu, Estonia, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Climate Researcher position. The position is 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 researcher 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 position is 2-year appointment at 100% FTE and can be extended. 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.

The earliest proposed start date is November 2026, and a later start date is possible if needed. For questions about the position, please email Prof Velle Toll (velle.toll@ut.ee).

To apply, please submit the application documents at:

https://ut.ee/en/job-offer/research-fellow-climate-science-post-doc-1

The application deadline is 14th of September 2026.