Senior Scientist in Atmospheric Data Assimilation

University of Vienna; Wien; On-site; EUR 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Partial home office

Public transport access

Internal training

Job summary

The University of Vienna invites applications for a Senior Scientist in Atmospheric Data Assimilation within the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics. The role focuses on joining the NWP and Data Assimilation group to advance data assimilation methods and ensemble diagnostics.

You will lead research projects, publish results, and contribute to teaching in BSc and MSc programs, while developing new ideas and aligning with FAIR data management principles.

Qualifications

• PhD or doctoral degree in meteorology, physics, mathematics or related field.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Strong programming skills.
• Experience in numerical modelling.
• Expertise in data assimilation.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on the proposed topic and develop new ideas with the group.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences; follow FAIR data practices.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Programming skills

Numerical modelling

Data assimilation

English proficiency

Education

PhD in meteorology/physics/math

Job description

Senior Scientist in Atmospheric Data Assimilation

53 Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy

Startdate: 01.12.2026 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)

Reference no.: 6255

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Let’s shape the future together!

We are looking forward for an enthusiastic senior scientist to join the research group on “Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and Data Assimilation” at the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics ( https://img.univie.ac.at/en/research/nwp) .

Our overall goal is to advance NWP and the understanding of atmospheric processes through:

• the assimilation of new observation types (e.g. cloud-affected satellite radiances and Aeolus wind lidar observations);
• improved data assimilation schemes;
• improved parametrizations via parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification;
• ensemble-based diagnostics for the analysis influence and forecast impact of observations.

The candidate should propose a research topic that links to current activities of the group and complements our current research.

Your future tasks:

• You conduct research on the proposed topic and develop new research ideas in collaboration with the research group;
• You disseminate the results in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, and are committed to the FAIR guiding principles for scientific data management;
• You contribute to project proposals and develop your own proposals;
• You teach independently in our BSc and MSc curricula within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement;
• You support the other group members in scientific and technical concerns;
• You contribute to organizational and administrative tasks.

Qualifications

• PhD / Doctoral degree in meteorology, physics, mathematics or a related subject;
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a team;
• Profound programming skills;
• Experience in numerical modelling;
• Expertise in data assimilation;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

A postdoctoral contract with the perspective of a permanent position: You will have flexibility in conducting your own research and developing new research ideas and the chance to shape your research profile and establish yourself as a leading expert in the field.

Inspiring and supportive working atmosphere: You will be part of an international team in a healthy and fair working environment with excellent research infrastructure.

Work-life balance: You have flexible working hours and the option to partly work from home (within Austria) upon agreement.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from - free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The gross salary of at least EUR 5014.30 (payable 14 times per year / amount as of 1 January 2026) increases if we can credit professional experience and allows for a comfortable life in a vibrant city with affordable housing prices and quick access to outdoors.

Get off to a great start in your new job: The Welcome Compass helps you settle into your new role at the University of Vienna and life in Vienna.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

The University of Vienna aims to become carbon neutral by 2030: We fully support low-carbon options for travelling.

The position is available from December 2026, but a later starting time is possible. The position is initially limited for three years with possibility to become permanent by mutual agreement.

Application instructions

• Letter of motivation;
• Research plan;
• Curriculum vitae including a list of publications
• Names and contact details of two persons serving as references

Contact

If you have any content questions, please contact: Martin Weißmann [e-mail]

Application deadline: 12/10/2026 (MM-DD-YYYY)

(Senior) Lecturer & Researcher