Senior Scientist Core Facility "ACTRIS"

Senior Scientist Core Facility "ACTRIS"

At the University of Vienna, almost 11,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. We are looking for a Senior Scientist Core Facility "ACTRIS" at the Faculty of Physics.

Job vacancy starting: 15.10.2026 | Working hours: 40.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)

Are you interested in experimental aerosol physics and developing novel methods? Are you fascinated by large-scale international aircraft field experiments addressing urgent environmental challenges such as climate change? Do you enjoy being in the field and deploying novel instrumentation for coarse mode aerosol and cloud characterization? If so, we invite you to join the Aerosol Physics and Environmental Physics Group.

The position is limited initially to four years, with the possibility of a permanent employment after a successful evaluation of the University of Vienna's Core Facility 'ACTRIS Aerosol Observatory' in the fourth year.

Your personal sphere of play:

As a Senior Scientist, you will join the Aerosol Physics and Environmental Physics (AEP) Group led by Prof. Bernadett Weinzierl at the University of Vienna’s Faculty of Physics. The group combines advanced laboratory, ground-based, and aircraft experiments with innovative modeling to investigate the physical and chemical properties of aerosols and clouds across nanometer to micrometer scales.

You will help build and operate the forthcoming ACTRIS National Facility/University of Vienna Core Facility for in situ aerosol measurements and work on pioneering projects in atmospheric and climate research. You will collaborate regularly with leading international institutions including NASA, NOAA and NCAR, and key industry partners such as Airbus.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching and administration, which means:

• You will be involved in unique ground-based and airborne research projects with top scientific institutions such as NASA, NOAA and NCAR, and contribute to large aircraft measurement campaigns including SABRE, INSPYRE and others.
• You will participate in multi-week field deployments for aircraft-based measurements.
• Your research will focus on airborne in-situ observations of aerosol and ice particles with Optical Array Probes and complementary aerosol instrumentation.
• You will develop novel methods and analysis tools for coarse-mode aerosol and cloud data, including image processing and machine learning.
• You will advance and maintain the University of Vienna Core Facility “ACTRIS Aerosol Observatory” instrumentation and coordinate participation in external field campaigns.
• You will collect, process, quality control and deliver measurement data to support Austria’s contribution to ACTRIS.
• You will analyze and interpret data from the Core Facility and from past and upcoming ground- and airborne field experiments.
• You will serve as Laser Safety Officer, including risk assessment, training and documentation.
• You will contribute to project applications and third-party funding acquisition.
• You will independently teach courses and supervise students.

This is part of your personality:

Compulsory:

• Completed doctoral degree/PhD degree in physics and/or aerosol-related topics such as atmospheric sciences, aerosol chemistry or meteorology.
• Knowledge in atmospheric/aerosol physics and experimental field work, including in-situ aerosol measurement techniques, aerosol instrument development and airborne in situ aerosol measurements.
• Excellent programming skills, especially Python, and proven experience in collaborative software development using git.
• Reliable, regular presence in the laboratory on site in Vienna.
• Willingness to travel internationally for measurement campaigns in the USA and other countries.
• Willingness and ability to participate in research flights and operate airborne instrumentation during research flights.
• Team player with good social and communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English, C1 or higher; German is desirable but not required.
• Class B driving license.

Desirable:

• Experience initiating, negotiating and managing partnerships with academia and industry.
• Experience with Optical Array Probes and workflows from data acquisition to image analysis.
• Training as a laser safety officer.
• Experience in teaching classes and supervising students.
• Initiative in finding solutions for technical and scientific problems.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours.

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training and coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis, with over 600 courses free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary is EUR 5.014,30, 14 times a year for senior scientists postdoctoral, and increases if professional experience can be credited.

It is that easy to apply:

• Scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent.
• List of publications.
• Summary of research interests, max. 1 page.
• Doctoral degree.
• Contact details of persons who could provide reference letters.
• Via the job portal / Apply now button.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Bernadett Weinzierl

bernadett.weinzierl@univie.ac.at

Application deadline: 17.09.2026