Job Description
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2026/KU 1 Postdoctoral Researcher - Ultrafine particles around airports 

 

Job ID: 1045 

Location: Geesthacht  

Application deadline: 08/30/2026

 

Airports are large sources of ultrafine particles. These particles are transported in the atmosphere, leading to human exposure at distances up to 10-20 km from the source. In the SOURCE-FFR impact study, we investigate the granular distribution of ultrafine particles around the airport of Frankfurt and look for possible long-term health effects. We run atmospheric chemistry transport models to simulate the spatial distribution of ultrafine particles and use geostatistical interpolation tools to produce very high resolution concentration data.

Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position. In principle, the full time position (39 h/week) is also sharable. 

 

You will work with atmospheric urban-scale chemistry transport models, meteorological and geostatistical approaches for spatial downscaling of atmospheric concentration data.

 

You will join an interdisciplinary project team at the interface of environmental modelling and data science.

At Hereon, the research group combines:

  • long-standing expertise in air quality modelling
  • with growing activities in data-driven methods

 

You will work closely with:

  • Dr. Martin Ramacher (machine learning for environmental applications)
  • Dr. Matthias Karl (urban air quality modelling and emissions)

 

and collaborate within a project consortium with expertise in:

  • Epidemiology and human health data

 

We value a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful working environment and actively encourage diverse perspectives in research.

 

 

Your tasks

You will play a key role in the methodological development of geostatistical interpolation tools for atmospheric concentrations of ultrafine particles.

 

Your focus will be on:

  • Running and evaluating atmospheric chemistry transport models
  • Interpreting meteorological data
  • designing and implementing the geostatistical interpolation methods
  • You will apply chemistry transport model systems and calculate ultrafine particle concentrations around Frankfurt airport
  • You will analyse meteorological data and evaluate atmospheric model results
  • You will develop and apply methods for geostatistical interpolation of ultrafine particle  concentration data
  • You will run models on HPC systems
  • You will publish your work and contribute to open-source releases

 

Your profile

  • PhD in Meteorology, Physics, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
  • Experience with atmospheric models and geostatistical interpolation methods
  • Strong programming skills in R, Python or similar languages
  • Intrinsic motivation to work on complex, real-world problems with societal relevance

Nice to have:

  • Experience with spatio-temporal or geospatial data
  • Experience with HPC

 

Our offer

•    permanent employment contract with an exciting and varied job in a research center with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
•    International Welcome Office with guest accommodation
•    6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
•    social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to pay group 13 (according to EntgO Bund)
•    very well work-life balance; options for mobile and flexible work
•    a well-connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket), charging facilities for electric vehicles 
•    individual opportunities for further training
•    an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
•    family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e. g. nursery close to the company 
•    Operational Health Management, e. g. Employee Assistance Program
•    Corporate Benefits
•    a varied offer in the canteen on campus 

 

Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.

 

Interested? We are looking forward to receiving your application.
Information at a Glance




Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: Around 1,000 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world's coastal systems and the resource-compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.

Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry

The Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry investigates the occurrence and fate of pollutants in the marine environment. Hereon offers a unique chemical-analytical infrastructure with which researchers can analyze environmental samples and quantify pollutants. Additionally, the institute has complex methods for modelling sources, transport and distribution.

Max-Planck-Straße 1 
21502 Geesthacht
www.hereon.de
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