Research Engineer (f/m/d) for the implementation of atmospheric observatories and automation

Leipzig, 27.03.2026

The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) is a research institute of the Leibniz Association and an internationally renowned institute in the field of aerosol and cloud research.

The Atmospheric Chemistry Department (ACD) is looking for a motivated engineer or scientist (f/m/d) to support the implementation and operation of atmospheric observatories within the European research infrastructure ACTRIS (www.actris.eu), in particular the Schmücke Cloud Observatory (SCO) and the Melpitz Research Station (MEL).

Main Tasks:

Design, implementation, and maintenance of workflows for data processing, instrument control, as well as data transfer and storage for continuous atmospheric monitoring devices.
Design, development, and maintenance of automated monitoring systems and software infrastructure for long-term operation of atmospheric observatories (e.g., development of automated calibration process, inlet status controls, signal processing for automated data validation, …).
Collaboration with the scientific team to ensure data quality and prepare data submission to the ACTRIS data portal.
Technical support of research instruments to measure atmospheric composition in the gas, particle, and water phases, including online mass spectrometers (ACSM, PTR-MS, CIMS), trace gas monitors, filter samplers, and others. This includes installation of infrastructure, e.g., inlets, sampling lines, maintenance, as well as on-site instrumentation.
Implementation of ACTRIS quality assurance (QA/QC) requirements and near-real time workflow following the measures and standard operating procedures (SOP) for the metrics of the respective devices, or assist in their development if not already in place.
Contribute to R&D projects especially to the electronic aspects such as control, signal acquisition, processing, automatization, and communication interfaces of analytical devices.
Undertake regular maintenances and calibrations of the equipment both on-site and in the TROPOS ACD laboratories.
Participation in ACTRIS intercomparison workshops at European topic centers.
Support preparation for and participation in ACTRIS-related intensive measurement campaigns at the observatories.
Development and maintenance of database and data visualization tools for the ACTRIS infrastructure and intensive field campaigns.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree of a University or ‘Fachhochschule’, i.e. University of Applied Sciences level (or comparable) in a technical discipline such as environmental monitoring technology, electrical or automation engineering, measurement and sensor technology, information technology, environmental engineering,or a discipline of the natural science, e.g. chemistry, physics or meteorology.
High intrinsic motivation, ability to work both independently as well as a part of a team, competent cooperation with international teams
Good skills in programming or scripting for data processing (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB or similar).
Solid experience with data acquisition systems and scientific or industrial instrumentation, including networking and remote access.
Experience with databases, data monitoring, as well as data-visualization tools such as PostgreSQL and Grafana is beneficial.
Experience with version control (and software development workflows (GIT, DevOps, CI/CD Pipelines) is desirable.
Experience with microcontrollers or embedded systems (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP32) or electronic circuit design, such as KiCAD, would be an advantage.
Careful, well‑structured working style, strong sense of data and process quality, and willingness to document and improve existing workflows.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team, and to cooperate in international consortia.
Very good knowledge of the English language, at least some basic German would be beneficial
Valid EU driver's license and willingness to travel frequently to the observatory sites, including overnight stays (especially at SCO)
Knowledge and experience with atmospheric in-situ instrumentation, including online mass spectrometry and offline instrumentation, would be beneficial
Background knowledge in atmospheric chemistry and physics would be beneficial

We offer:

Excellent opportunities for personal development with access to a state-of-the-art research infrastructure and intern technical workshop (electronics, mechanical, glass blower and technical construction)
Being part of a strong international research network and collaborative projects.
The opportunity to work in the Atmospheric Chemistry Department (ACD) of TROPOS, a vibrant international group of colleagues who will support you in further developing your career
Fixed-term contract of 3 years. Depending on available funding, an extension could possibly be offered in the future.
An exciting workplace in the lively city of Leipzig with a multifaceted job in an interdisciplinary work environment and a variety of work-life balance offers as well as flexible working hours and daycare facilities

We offer you an exciting position with varied tasks in an interdisciplinary working environment and a wide range of measures to help you balance work and family life, as well as flexible working hours and childcare places. The position is limited to 36 months with payment according to TV-L, including the attractive social benefits of public service employment. TROPOS and TROPOS ACD value the diversity of its employees and pursue the goals of equal opportunity. The institute aims to increase the proportion of women in research and therefore encourages qualified women to apply. People with severe disabilities have priority in hiring if they have the same aptitude, ability, and professional qualifications.

Please send your complete, informative documents in written or electronic form with the keyword: ACD-SCO by April 30th, 2026, exclusively electronically to only bewerbung[at]tropos.de.

By submitting the application documents by e-mail, the applicant agrees to the storage/processing of personal data in accordance with Art. 13 DSGVO for the purpose of selection for this job advertisement. The risks of sending documents electronically are hereby pointed out.

If you have any questions about this job offer, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Hartmut Herrmann (herrmann[at]tropos.de)
Dr. Laurent Poulain (poulain[at]tropos.de for Melpitz)
Dr. Nabil Deabji (deabji[at]tropos.de for the SCO)