Postdoctoral Position in Microwave Radiometry of Clouds on the HALO Research Aircraft (f/m/x) at University of Cologne – Cologne, Germany

Summary

The University of Cologne is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for the project 'Submillimeter radiometry: Towards a pan-Arctic ice cloud climatology (TOPAICC)'. The selected candidate will play a key role in scientific implementation, including participating in two Arctic airborne research campaigns using the HALO research aircraft, developing ice cloud and water vapour retrieval methods using radiative transfer and machine learning, and evaluating cloud processes against the ICON atmospheric model and satellite data. The full-time position starts on 1 February 2027 and runs through 31 July 2030, with salary paid under TV-L E13. Applicants must hold a PhD in atmospheric science, meteorology, physics, geophysics, remote sensing, or a related discipline, alongside strong programming skills. The deadline to apply online is 2026-10-25.

Key Facts

Department	Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology (IGMK), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Degree Required	PhD in atmospheric science, meteorology, physics, geophysics, remote sensing, or a closely related field
Salary	Remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector
Funding	TOPAICC project
Contract Duration	Fixed term from 1 February 2027 until 31 July 2030
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-25
Required Documents	proof of the required qualifications without photo
Employer Contact	Dr Mario Mech ([email protected]) or Professor Dr Susanne Crewell ([email protected])

About the Project

The TOPAICC project investigates Arctic ice clouds, airmass transformation, and the polar energy budget using novel submillimeter radiometry aboard the HALO research aircraft. Operating during two Arctic campaigns alongside radars, lidars, and microwave radiometers, the project aims to develop retrievals of ice water path and cloud properties, evaluate their representation in the ICON model, compare airborne data with satellite observations, and establish benchmark datasets for pan-Arctic ice cloud climatologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and participate in two Arctic airborne campaigns (CONIDA-Night in winter 2028 and CONIDA-Day in summer 2029) from Kiruna, Sweden.
• Participate in HALO research flights, scientific flight planning, instrument calibration, operation, and data preparation.
• Develop realistic training datasets using PAMTRA radiative transfer forward simulations and ICON model outputs.
• Develop and evaluate retrieval methods for ice cloud properties and water vapour using statistical and machine-learning approaches.
• Characterize retrieval uncertainties and establish benchmark datasets by exploiting synergies between radiometry, cloud radars, and lidar.
• Investigate cloud-phase transitions during Arctic airmass transformation and evaluate their representation in ICON.
• Compare airborne observations with satellite data from ICI, AWS, PolSIR, and EarthCARE, investigating spatial-resolution and footprint effects.
• Publish high-quality datasets according to FAIR principles and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences.

Required Skills

• PhD in atmospheric science, meteorology, physics, geophysics, remote sensing, or a related field.
• Strong programming and scientific data-analysis skills, preferably in Python.
• Willingness to participate actively in airborne field campaigns including instrument operation and flight planning.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an international research team.
• Good scientific communication skills and English language proficiency.

Who Should Apply

Researchers holding a PhD in atmospheric science, meteorology, physics, geophysics, remote sensing, or a closely related field who possess strong programming and scientific data-analysis skills (preferably Python) and are willing to actively participate in airborne field campaigns.

Benefits

• Position in an internationally well-established working group with state-of-the-art research facilities.
• Support in balancing work and family life.
• Extensive advanced training opportunities.
• Occupational health management offers.
• Flexible working time models.
• Opportunity to work remotely.

About the Employer

The University of Cologne is one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe, offering a wide range of subjects and career opportunities across science, technology, and administration in a central location in Cologne, Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 25 October 2026.

When does the position start and end?

The position starts on 1 February 2027 and is fixed-term until 31 July 2030.

Where will the airborne campaigns take place?

The two Arctic airborne campaigns (CONIDA-Night and CONIDA-Day) will take place from Kiruna, Sweden.

What is the expected salary scale?

Salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Who can I contact for inquiries about this position?

You can contact Dr Mario Mech ([email protected]) or Professor Dr Susanne Crewell ([email protected]).