Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungs­zentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helm­holtz Asso­ciation, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possi­bilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,400 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centers and help us to shape change!

The Institute for Climate and Energy Systems – Stratosphere (ICE-4) studies chemical, microphysical, and dynamical processes in the upper troposphere and stratosphere and the role they play in the climate system. We are seeking a new PhD student in the “Water vapor & Cloud” group to establish and perform balloon-borne measurements of hydrogen (H2) with the AirCore technique. The PhD work will be performed within a three-year program of the Graduate School HITEC. The aim of this doctoral thesis is to develop a measurement system based on Gas Chromatography with Helium Ionization and Electron Capture Detection (GC-HID-ECD) that is able to quantify hydrogen in atmospherically relevant concentration ranges (50–700 parts per billion, ppb) with high precision. At the same time, this system should be able to determine the distributions of other important trace gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). This is important in order to better characterize the origin and global relevance of the measured air masses samples with respect to H2.

We are offering a

PhD Position – Developing Balloon-Based Hydrogen Measurements in the Upper Troposphere and Stratosphere
 

Your Job:
 

• Characterization and optimization of a lab-based GC-HID-ECD instrument to measure H2, CH4, N2O, and SF6
   
• Construction and characterization of an AirCore to sample air masses without disturbance of the target trace gases
   
• Conducting regular balloon launches with AirCores in Jülich and analysis of collected air samples with the GC-HID-ECD system
   
• Investigating the climate impact of the measured H2 profiles in collaboration with our modeling department
   

Your Profile:
 

• MSc in meteorology, physics, chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field with good final grade (German system equivalent 2.0 or better)
   
• Very good experimental skills are essential
   
• Experience with AirCores, GC systems, balloon observations are desirable
   
• Solid programming skills (e.g. Python) for data analysis are helpful
   

Our Offer:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• A highly motivated working group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
   
• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
   
• Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
   
• Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor
   
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
   
• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
   
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
   
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/research/research-fields/young-scientists/judocs?expand=translations,fzjsettings,nearest-institut
   
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
   

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/julich-as-an-employer/benefits.

The position is for a fixed term of three years. Pay is in line with 67,5 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich, including our other locations, is available at https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/phd.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic, and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities, in which everyone can realize their potential, is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible via our Online Recruitment System: https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/karriere/stellenangebote/2024D-056?apply

Questions about the Offer?
Please feel free to contact us via our contact form: https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/karriere/stellenangebote/2024D-056?contact

Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via e-mail.

You can find helpful information on the application and selection process here: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/application-information

You can also find answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/application-information/faq

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