Postdoctoral Position (m/f/x) in Cloud Microphysics

We seek to fill one position in the research group on Turbulence and Particles in Fluids lead by Dr. Gholamhossein Bagheri and in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Eberhard Bodenschatz, who directs the Laboratory for Fluid Physics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity (LFPB).

We are an international research institute conducting both experimental and      

theoretical fundamental scientific research and currently employs about 300 people. We are part of the Göttingen Campus, a collaboration between the university and non-university research institutions. 

Ihre Aufgaben:

Atmospheric clouds and aerosols are major sources of uncertainty in weather and climate prediction due to their complex, multi-scale nature — from nanometers to hundreds of kilometers. Turbulence and intricate flows play a role across these scales, making field studies essential for capturing their full complexity. To address this, we developed the Max Planck CloudKite (MPCK), an airborne platform for high-resolution atmospheric measurements. MPCK has been deployed over the Atlantic during EUREC4A and in Arctic Finland, performing autonomous measurements like particle image velocimetry and holography. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our multidisciplinary team at the intersection of optics, electronics, machine learning, and atmospheric science. The successful candidate will lead the design, development, and deployment of next-generation holographic particle imagers for both laboratory and in-situ atmospheric measurements. A key objective of this task is to further develop our state-of-the-art imaging systems by optimizing the hardware and integrating real-time data processing and analysis through machine learning techniques to achieve precise characterization of particle size, shape and concentration.

Ihr Profil:

We seek a motivated early-career researcher with a PhD in physics, engineering, meteorology, or a related field, eager to advance our understanding of aerosols and cloud microphysics.

 Requirements:

• Background in areas such as physics, fluid mechanics, optics or meteorology 
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++)
• Strong teamwork skills and good command of English (Knowledge of German language not required)
• Additional experience in optics, machine learning, big data, instrument design, image analysis, or electronics is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Design compact, lightweight and robust holographic instruments
• Develop real-time data pipelines using edge computing, built on our existing toolchain and enhanced with machine learning techniques
• Validate/calibrate instruments in lab and airborne field tests
• Conducting experiments, participating in field campaigns, processing data and publishing results

Unser Angebot:

We offer excellent working conditions in a highly international and interdisciplinary research environment. The position is for one year initially with the possibility of extension. Salary and working hours follow the funding guidelines of the Max Planck Society for scientists: Working hours are fulltime; salary is E13 TVöD-Bund. The starting date should be as soon as possible. 

 The Max Planck Society is committed to achieving the highest level of excellence and diversity. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from women. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, a CV, and contact information for up to three references. Your cover letter should briefly describe your research interests, relevant experience and career goals. All applications received before July 15, 2025 will receive full consideration, but the position will remain open until filled.

Please contact Dr. Gholamhossein Bagheri (gholamhossein.bagheri@ds.mpg.de) or Prof. Dr. Eberhard Bodenschatz (eberhard.bodenschatz@ds.mpg.de) should you have further questions.