Job description

Research topic and tasks

The harmful effects of air pollutants and PM_2.5 particles on human health are well-documented. However, the impacts of measures aimed at improving air quality are difficult to predict. One reason for this is that ozone formation depends on the concentration of precursor substances such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), meaning that a reduction in precursor substances can even lead to an increase in ozone levels. Additionally, some of these precursor substances come from vegetation, either from the surrounding area or urban greenery, which are less affected by air quality measures and play a more significant role when emissions from industry and traffic are reduced. Urban air quality can also be influenced by intensive agriculture in surrounding areas and measures taken only within the city may have limited effectiveness. An important aspect here is the influence of ammonia emissions from livestock farming and fertilization, which contribute to the formation of harmful PM_2.5 particles.

The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the causes and changes in air pollution in the city of Bremen using new measurements of ammonia, aerosols, and VOCs. A goal is to better understand the role of emissions from human activities and industrial sources, urban vegetation, and external contributions. Bremen is an ideal study area because it includes urban, industrial, and semi-rural areas, surrounded by agriculturally intensive land. These conditions result in a mixture of emissions from both human and natural sources, some of them also affecting the climate.

The Institute of Environmental Physics of the University of Bremen (IUP-UB) has extensive experience in in-situ measurements of trace and reactive gases in various environments and already operates several measurement instruments at the institute. The applicant will set up a complementary site within the city including a new highly precise multi-gas analyzer for trace gas measurements. These measurement data, along with measurements from IUP-UB and the BLUES monitoring system in Bremen (https://luftmessnetz.bremen.de /lqi), will allow for a detailed analysis of the chemical composition of the air and the various factors that lead to changes in air quality.

Tasks additionally include:

• Characterization of a high-precision multi-gas analyzer in the laboratory and as part of a new urban measurement station.
• Evaluation and interpretation of measurement data obtained during intensive observation periods, along with simultaneous measurements of VOCs and particles at selected locations in Bremen, as well as meteorological and model data.
• Academic assistance in teaching, amounting to 2-3 SWS (hours per semester week) including the transfer of expertise and practical skills, as well as instruction in the application of scientific methods in the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs according to the applicable LVNV, and teaching export (= subject-specific teaching for other departments).
• Scientific support in research, participation in research projects, and in the publication of scientific data.
• Elaboration of own scientific work, such as preparing a doctoral thesis and scientific publications.
• Other university duties, such as participation in academic self-administration.

Requirements

Requirements:

• A completed academic university degree (Master/University Diploma) in physics, or in related fields (e.g., atmospheric sciences) with an average grade better than 2.0 in the German system or B in the Anglo-Saxon grading system
• Experimental experience and strong interest in the field of physics and chemistry of the atmosphere

• Good programming skills preferably in Python and Labview.
• Good oral and written knowledge of the English language.

The Institute of Environmental Physics offers a good working atmosphere, direct involvement in international research and attractive facilities.

General Information

The University of Bremen offers among other things:

• Annual special payment ("Christmas bonus"), regular automatic collective salary increases, and additional pension benefits from the public sector (VBL)
• A secure, interesting, and varied workplace at an open-minded university
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year
• A diverse, future-oriented, and open corporate culture
• Support from a collegial, motivated team with a positive work environment
• Personalized training
• Opportunities for professional development and further education
• Work-life balance through flexible working hours (flextime) and the possibility of remote work (subject to framework conditions)
• Free services as part of social and family counseling
• An active corporate health management system, including discounts at local sports clubs, gyms, and swimming pools (EGYM WELLPASS)
• The possibility of using a job ticket
• Numerous offers for sports and cultural activities
• Varied catering options in the student cafeterias (Mensen) of the student union

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since its founding in 1971. With a broad range of subjects, we combine exceptional performance and innovative potential. As an ambitious research university, we stand for research-based learning approaches and a pronounced interdisciplinary orientation. We actively pursue international scientific cooperation in a spirit of global partnership.

Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operations, we are firmly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to dare new things, in supportive cooperation, in respect and appreciation for each other. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe and in the world.

As the University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Disabled applicants will be given priority if their professional and personal qualifications are essentially the same.

The University of Bremen is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

For questions of the research project, please contact:

Dr. Maria Dolores Andrés Hernández, email: lola@iup.physik.uni-bremen.de

and/or

Prof. Dr. Hartmut Bösch, e-mail: hboeschprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de

See also for general information:

http://www.iup.uni-bremen.de/

Please send your application documents (cover letter, CV, and copy of your degree certificates including high school) unti 11.04.2025 by indicating the job id A00625 to:

sdrathprotect me ?!iup.physik.uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de

or by post to:

University of Bremen
Institute of Environmental Physics
Stephanie Drath
Otto-Hahn-Allee 1
D-28359 Bremen

or as a PDF file by unencrypted electronic mail to sdrath@iup.physik.uni-bremen.de.

We kindly ask you to send us only copies (no portfolios) of your application documents, as we cannot return them. They will be destroyed after the selection process has been completed. Eventual costs arising from your application cannot be reimbursed.