Postdoctoral position in microwave radiometry of clouds on the HALO research aircraft (f/m/x)

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make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in

science, technology, and administration.

Postdoctoral position in microwave radiometry

of clouds on the HALO research aircraft (f/m/x)

The project “Submillimeter radiometry: Towards a pan-Arctic ice

cloud climatology (TOPAICC)” investigates Arctic ice clouds and

their role in airmass transformation and the polar energy budget

using novel submillimeter radiometry aboard the HALO aircraft.

During two Arctic HALO campaigns, the new HAMPng-SMR instru-

ment will operate alongside radars, lidar, and microwave radio-

meters to observe ice clouds and atmospheric humidity. TOPAICC

will develop retrievals of ice water path and related cloud proper-

ties, evaluate their representation in the ICON model, and assess

emerging satellite observations from ICI and AWS. The resulting

benchmark observations will support satellite retrieval validation and

the development of long-term pan-Arctic ice cloud climatologies.

YOUR TASKS

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will play a central role in the

scientific implementation of TOPAICC. Your work will span airborne

observations, radiative transfer, retrieval development, atmospheric

modelling, and satellite remote sensing. In particular, you will:

» Prepare and participate in the two Arctic airborne campaigns

CONIDA-Night (winter 2028) and CONIDA-Day (summer 2029)

from Kiruna, Sweden.

» Participate in the HALO research flights, including scientific

flight planning, instrument calibration and operation, and data

preparation.

» Develop realistic training datasets using PAMTRA radiative

transfer forward and ICON simulations.

» Develop and evaluate retrieval methods for ice cloud properties

and water vapour based on statistical and machine-learning

approaches.

» Exploit synergies between submillimeter and millimeter radio-

metry, cloud radars, and lidar to characterize retrieval uncertain-

ties and establish benchmark datasets.

» Investigate cloud-phase transitions during Arctic airmass

transformation and evaluate their representation in ICON.

» Compare airborne with current satellite observations,

particularly from ICI, AWS, PolSIR, and EarthCARE.

» Investigate spatial-resolution and satellite-footprint effects and

their implications for satellite IWP retrievals and Arctic ice-cloud

climatologies.

» Publish high-quality datasets according to FAIR principles and

disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and

presentations at international conferences.

» Collaborate closely with scientists within the CONIDA

consortium and with national and international partners in

atmospheric remote sensing and modelling.

YOUR PROFILE

We are looking for a motivated researcher with a strong interest in

atmospheric observations, remote sensing, and cloud processes.

Ideally, you have:

» A PhD in atmospheric science, meteorology, physics, geo-

physics, remote sensing, or a closely related field.

» Experience with microwave/submillimeter remote sensing,

cloud observations, radiative transfer, or atmospheric modelling.

» Experience in atmospheric field campaigns, including

instrument operation, campaign preparation, data acquisition,

and/or quality control; experience with airborne research

campaigns is particularly advantageous.

» Strong programming and scientific data-analysis skills,

preferably in Python.

» Experience with radiative-transfer models, numerical weather

or climate models, or satellite data is advantageous.

» An interest in developing and applying retrieval and

machine-learning methods to atmospheric observations.

» Willingness to participate actively in airborne field campaigns,

including campaign preparation, participation in research

flights, instrument operation, flight planning, and subsequent

data analysis is mandatory.

» The ability to work both independently and collaboratively

within a large international research team.

» Good scientific communication skills and English language

proficiency.

WE OFFER

» A position in an internationally well-established working group

with state-of-the-art research facilities

» A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

» Support in balancing work and family life

» Extensive advanced training opportunities

» Occupational health management offers

» Flexible working time models

» Opportunity to work remotely

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diver-

sity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with

the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landes-

gleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome

applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender,

nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual

orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 February 2027 on a full-time basis

(39,83 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed

term until 31 July 2030. If the applicant meets the relevant wage

requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on

remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German

public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications without

photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de.

The reference number is Wiss2609-13. The application deadline is

25.10.2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr Mario Mech (mario.mech@

uni-koeln.de) or Professor Dr Susanne Crewell (susanne.crewell@

uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.

Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology (IGMK)

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences