Context And Mission
Mineral dust is a key component of the Earth system, strongly influencing the radiative balance through its size-dependent, composition-dependent, and shape-dependent optical properties. However, large uncertainties remain in the representation of dust optical properties in atmospheric and climate models, particularly for transported Saharan dust, due to limited observational constraints on particle size distribution, mineralogy, mixing state, and particle shape.
In this context, we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the DUSTIMPACT project (“Unravelling Saharan DUST Outflow: Insights into Mineralogy, Size, Shape, Optical Properties and Regional Climate Impact through Novel Observations and Modeling”). The successful candidate will play a central role in linking state-of-the-art measurements of dust optical and microphysical properties with advanced dust and climate models.
The postdoctoral researcher will focus on modeling dust optical properties constrained by observations, including size-resolved and composition-resolved optical parameters, and on integrating these constraints into regional atmospheric composition and climate models. In addition, the position involves active participation in experimental activities, data analysis, and coordination tasks across national and international partners.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface between observations, theory, and modeling, contributing to a major international effort to reduce uncertainties in dust radiative effects and regional climate impacts.
Key Duties
* Develop and refine parameterizations of dust optical properties absorption, scattering, SSA, asymmetry parameter) based on particle size, mineralogy, shape, and mixing state.
* Translate observational constraints from in-situ and remote measurements into model-ready optical property datasets.
* Integrate experimentally constrained optical properties into dust and atmospheric composition models
* Contribute to the analysis of dust optical measurements Aethalometer, nephelometer, DNAAP configurations).
* Support the interpretation of size-resolved and composition-resolved observations in collaboration with experimental partners.
* Actively participate in coordination activities across work packages and institutions.
* Contribute to internal project meetings, data workshops, and international collaborations.
* Contribute to internal project meetings, data workshops, and international collaborations.
* Contribute to internal project meetings, data workshops, and international collaborations.
Requirements
* Education
o PhD in Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, or a closely related field.
* Essential Knowledge and Professional Experience
o Proven experience in aerosol or dust optical property modeling and/or analysis.
o Strong background in atmospheric data analysis and interpretation of observational datasets.
o Experience with scientific programming Python, FORTRAN, or similar).
o Familiarity with atmospheric data formats and tools NetCDF, CDO, NCO).
* Additional Knowledge and Professional Experience
o Experience with dust or aerosol modules in atmospheric or climate models.
o Knowledge of radiative transfer and aerosol–radiation interactions.
o Experience with in-situ aerosol optical measurements and/or particle size distribution data.
o Experience working in international, multi-institutional research projects.
* Competences
o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
o Ability to bridge experimental observations and numerical modeling.
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
o Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
o Proactive attitude toward coordination and collaborative research.
Conditions
* The position will be located at BSC within the Earth Sciences Department
* We offer a full-time contract a good working environment, a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, flexible working hours, extensive training plan, restaurant tickets, private health insurance, support to the relocation procedures
* Duration: Open-ended contract due to technical and scientific activities linked to the project and budget duration
* Holidays: 22 days of holidays + 6 personal days + 24th and 31st of December per our collective agreement
* Salary: we offer a competitive salary commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate and according to the cost of living in Barcelona
* Starting date: asap