Your Job:
Urban aerosol particles pose one of the greatest global risks to human health. A substantial fraction of these particles is secondary – formed through atmospheric reactions of emitted trace gases. While motor vehicle emissions have been reduced through regulation, attention is shifting to understudied sources such as volatile chemical products (VCPs) and cooking emissions, which are now emerging as key precursors to ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in urban areas.
CHANEL aims to identify the key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that lead to SOA and ozone pollution. Using cutting-edge chemical ionization mass spectrometry, the project will perform field measurements across European cities, with a Zeppelin-based airborne platform capturing the “urban breath” of major population centers.
As a research scientist, you will:
1. Operate and characterize state-of-the-art mass spectrometers (PTR and NH4+ -CIMS; VOCUS) to measure urban VOCs and their oxidation products
2. Lead the deployment and measurements of VOCUS onboard the Zeppelin for airborne field campaigns over European cities
3. Perform VOC flux measurements for the 2026 Zeppelin flights and compare urban emissions to other cities as well as results from the JULIAC campaigns.
4. Work with the CHARON aerosol inlet and a FUSION CIMS to analyze the particle-phase organic composition onboard the Zeppelin from 2027 onward
5. Analyze large multi-dimensional datasets using statistical tools such as positive matrix factorization (PMF) and cluster analysis
6. Investigate the influence of different urban emission sectors on atmospheric composition
7. Present your results at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
Your Profile:
8. A Masters with subsequent PhD degree in chemistry, physics, environmental science, atmospheric science, meteorology, or a related discipline
9. Strong experimental skills; strong experience in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and trace gas measurements using CIMS techniques
10. Enthusiasm for laboratory and field work
11. Strong background in programming and data analysis (preferably Python)
12. Excellent data analysis and publication capabilities
13. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
14. Ability to work independently, as part of a collaborative team, and lead projects to completion
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!
15. Work at one of Europe’s leading interdisciplinary research centers with a vibrant, international atmosphere
16. Join a dynamic institute hosting over ten atmospheric chemistry research groups, offering rich opportunities for collaboration and learning
17. Extensive opportunities for personal development and training
18. A large, green campus with sports facilities and a supportive research community
19. Flexible working hours in a full-time position (39 hours/week) with the option of slightly reduced working hours
20. Flexible work arrangements, partly working from home
21. 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends ( between Christmas and New Year)
22. Support services for international employees through the International Advisory Service
23. Exploration and preparation of next career opportunities supported by our Career Center & Postdoc Office ( )
In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer:
Apply now and join us in unraveling the chemical complexity of urban air in Europe’s most exciting airborne platform.
Learn more about our group here:
We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. The position is for a fixed term of 2 years, with the prospect of longer-term employment. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group 13, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them. All information about the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) can be found on the BMI website: The monthly salaries in euro can be found here:
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, 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.