Analysis of MTG-I1 / -S1 data to study atmospheric chemical pollution by lightning

Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA - CSIC); Burgos; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 50.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

El Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA - CSIC) busca un investigador para una posición de doctorado en su grupo TRAPPA. Este rol se centra en investigar fenómenos eléctricos atmosféricos y el papel químico de los relámpagos, utilizando datos ópticos y de modelos para analizar la química atmosférica. Es una oportunidad emocionante que ofrece un salario competitivo y cobertura total de seguridad social, con inicio en septiembre de 2025.

Formación

• Máster en Física, Matemáticas Aplicadas o Ciencias Ambientales requerido.
• Habilidades excelentes en programación y análisis de datos.
• Interés fuerte en química atmosférica y transporte.

Responsabilidades

• Desarrollar métodos para cuantificar óxidos de nitrógeno producidos por relámpagos.
• Investigar el papel químico de los relámpagos a escala regional.

Conocimientos

Programación en Python

Programación en Fortran

Análisis de datos

Inglés (nivel C1)

Modelado de química atmosférica

Educación

Máster en Física, Matemáticas Aplicadas o Ciencias Ambientales

Descripción del empleo

Organisation / Company: Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA - CSIC)

Department

Solar System Research

Field

• Physics » Applied physics
• Mathematics » Applied mathematics
• Computer science » Programming
• Computer science » Database management
• Environmental science » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

Undergraduate Positions

Country

Spain

Application Deadline

10 Jul 2025 - 23:00 (Europe / Madrid)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

37.5

Offer Starting Date

16 Sep 2025

Funding

Not funded by an EU programme

Research Infrastructure

No

Offer Description

We announce a PhD position within the TRansient Plasmas in Planetary Atmospheres (TRAPPA) group at the IAA - CSIC in Granada, Spain. The position focuses on investigating atmospheric electricity phenomena and the chemical role of lightning in the atmosphere, utilizing optical measurements from space and ground, chemical measurements, and modeling tools like WRF.

The successful candidate will analyze data from Meteosat Third Generation instruments, the Atmospheric Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM), and other sources to explore lightning-related atmospheric chemistry and pollution.

This is a full-time PhD position for 3 years, with possible extension, starting ideally in September 2025. The gross salary is 1600 EUR/month with 14 payments, including full social security coverage.

Requirements

• Master Degree or equivalent in Physics, Applied Mathematics, or Environmental Science (Global Change)

Skills / Qualifications

• High academic achievement, excellent programming skills (Python, Fortran), strong data analysis interest, and good command of English (C1 level).
• Experience with satellite data, atmospheric transport, and chemistry modeling is advantageous.
• Motivated, flexible, proactive, and excellent communication skills.

Specific Requirements

Analysis of Meteosat data to correlate lightning activity with atmospheric chemical pollution, using models like WRF and ground-based measurements.

Tasks

• Develop methods to quantify nitrogen oxides produced by lightning.
• Investigate lightning's chemical role at regional scales with modeling and measurements.

Additional Information

Applicants can still apply if they will obtain their Master’s degree by early September 2025, but must be registered as doctoral students at the University of Granada by then.

Application deadline: July 10, 2025.

Selection results will be communicated before the end of July 2025.