University of Vienna PhD Position in Climate Impacts of the Space Industry

University of Vienna PhD Position in Climate Impacts of the Space Industry

The University of Vienna is inviting applications for a four-year PhD position focused on the climate impacts caused by the rapidly growing space industry.

The position is based within the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy and forms part of the interdisciplinary research platform SPACETRACE – Pollution of the Atmosphere by a Rapidly Growing Space Industry.

Position Overview

Institution: University of Vienna
Faculty: Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy
Department: Meteorology and Geophysics
Position: PhD Researcher / University Assistant Pre-Doctoral
Research Area: Climate Impacts of the Space Industry
Working Hours: 30 hours per week
Duration: 4 years
Expected Start Date: 1 September 2026
Job ID: 5919
Salary Classification: §48 VwGr. B1, Basic Level (Pre-Doctoral)

About the Research

The increasing commercialisation of space has led to a sharp rise in rocket launches, satellites, and space debris re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.

The project will investigate the potential effects of space-industry emissions on:

• The stratospheric ozone layer

• Earth’s radiation balance

• Atmospheric circulation

• Cirrus cloud formation

• Global climate patterns

• Climate cooling or warming effects

Research Focus

The selected researcher will examine the climatic effects of materials released during satellite re-entry, particularly particles such as aluminium.

The research will explore:

• Direct radiative impacts of re-entry particles

• Possible cooling effects in the atmosphere

• Changes in cirrus cloud formation

• Atmospheric consequences of rocket launches

• Climate risks associated with the expansion of the space industry

• Uncertainties in future space-related emissions

About SPACETRACE

SPACETRACE brings together researchers from multiple faculties with expertise in:

• Atmospheric science

• Aerosol physics

• Climate modelling

• Meteorology

• Geophysics

• Social sciences

The broader platform aims to understand how emissions from rocket launches and space-debris re-entry may affect the atmosphere, climate, and society.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be expected to:

• Conduct doctoral research in climate and atmospheric science

• Develop and apply climate-model simulations

• Analyse atmospheric and radiative processes

• Work with researchers across different disciplines

• Prepare scientific publications and reports

• Present research at national and international conferences

• Contribute to teaching, research, and academic activities

• Complete a doctoral dissertation within the appointment period

Candidate Profile

The opportunity is suitable for candidates with a relevant academic background in areas such as:

• Meteorology

• Atmospheric Science

• Climate Science

• Physics

• Geophysics

• Earth Sciences

• Environmental Science

• Applied Mathematics

• Computational Science

Applicants should have strong quantitative, analytical, and programming skills, along with an interest in atmospheric modelling and interdisciplinary climate research.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official University of Vienna recruitment portal using:

Job ID: 5919

Applicants may be required to submit:

• Cover letter

• Curriculum vitae

• Academic certificates and transcripts

• Research statement

• Master’s thesis or writing sample

• Referee details

• Other documents specified in the official vacancy announcement

Important Note

The application deadline is not visible in the provided vacancy excerpt. Candidates should review the complete official advertisement before submitting their application.

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