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

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

Descripción de la vacante

The Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA - CSIC) offers a PhD position focusing on atmospheric electricity phenomena related to lightning. This research role involves utilizing advanced modeling and satellite data, providing a unique opportunity for candidates with strong programming and analytical skills. The position guarantees full social security coverage, offers a competitive salary, and encourages candidates to apply prior to completing their master's.

Formación

• Master’s degree or equivalent required.
• Strong programming skills and mathematical abilities essential.
• Experience with satellite data analysis is a plus.

Responsabilidades

• Investigate atmospheric electricity phenomena and analyze data from MTG instruments.
• Develop methods to quantify nitrogen oxides from lightning.

Conocimientos

Programming skills (Python, Fortran)

Mathematical skills

Data analysis

Excellent command of English (C1 level)

Experience with satellite data analysis

Educación

Master's degree in physics, applied mathematics, or meteorology

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

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? No

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We announce one PhD (doctoral) position within the TRansient Plasmas in Planetary Atmospheres (TRAPPA) group at the IAA - CSIC in Granada, Spain.

This PhD position aims to investigate atmospheric electricity phenomena, focusing on the chemical role of lightning in the atmosphere, using optical measurements from the Lightning Imager (LI) and the Flexible Combined Imager (FCI) onboard the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG), ground-based lightning measurements, and chemical measurements from instruments onboard the MTG-Sounder 1, such as the IRS and UVN sounder. The candidate will also utilize the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) to study physical and chemical processes and their regional/global impact.

The research combines modeling with space- and ground-based data to explore atmospheric chemical pollution, including data from the Atmospheric Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM) on the ISS. The position offers full employment as a PhD student for 3 years, with a possible extension of 1 year, starting ideally in September 2025, with full social security coverage.

Application Details

Where to apply: E-mail

Requirements

Research fields: Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Science (Global Change)

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills / Qualifications

• Master's degree in physics, applied mathematics, or meteorology with high academic achievement.
• Strong programming skills (Python, Fortran), mathematical skills, and interest in data analysis.
• Excellent command of English (C1 level), with good writing and presentation skills.
• Experience with satellite data analysis and atmospheric modeling is a plus.
• Motivated, flexible, and proactive personality.

Specific Requirements

The project focuses on analyzing data from MTG instruments to study lightning and chemical pollution correlations, developing new methods to quantify nitrogen oxides from lightning, and investigating atmospheric chemical roles using WRF and measurements.

Additional Information

Salary: 1600 EUR/month (14 payments), living costs in Granada are lower than other regions of Spain.

Eligibility: Candidates can apply before having completed their master's, provided they register as doctoral students at the University of Granada by early September 2025.

Selection process: Applications accepted until July 10, 2025, with decisions communicated by the end of July 2025.

Job reference: J-18808-Ljbffr