Velle Toll

University of Tartu is seeking a postdoc in climate science for the ERC-funded CloudTracker project, led by Professor Velle Toll . The research focuses on aerosol-cloud interactions , including aerosol-polluted cloud tracks, cloud responses to aerosols, and the role of aerosols as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nuclei. The postdoctoral researcher will work on satellite-based cloud retrievals, aerosol dispersion modelling with HYSPLIT , and prediction of unobserved counterfactual unpolluted cloud properties. The project also involves collaboration with international partners and uses Python, remote sensing, and machine learning approaches. This is a 2-year appointment at 100% FTE and can be extended. The monthly gross salary is EUR 4100–4600 , depending on experience and qualifications. The post is aimed at early-career scientists with relevant research experience in aerosol-cloud interactions and remote sensing of clouds. Application deadline: 2026-09-14. Apply via the provided application portal and consult the University of Tartu job posting for full details.

The Centre for Climate Research at the University of Tartu, Estonia, is inviting applications for an ERC-funded postdoctoral position in natural experiments of aerosol–cloud interactions. The postdoc will join the CloudTracker project, a 5-year Horizon Europe ERC research programme titled Tracking Polluted Clouds: the Plausibility of a Strong Aerosol Cooling Effect on Earth’s Climate . The project investigates aerosol-polluted cloud tracks downwind of ships and industries to quantify how low clouds respond to aerosols. The research builds on ship-track-like natural experiments and examines aerosol effects as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nuclei, with reference to prior work in Nature and Science . The role also involves identifying anthropogenic cloud perturbations through aerosol dispersion modelling and machine learning. Key duties include analysing satellite-based cloud retrievals using Python, running aerosol dispersion modelling with the HYSPLIT model, predicting counterfactual unpolluted cloud properties, and collaborating with international partners. The position is based at the Centre for Climate Research in the Institute of Physics at the University of Tartu and offers a supportive setting for early-career scientists seeking to strengthen an independent research profile. The appointment is for 2 years at 100% FTE and may be extended. The monthly gross salary is between 4100 and 4600 EUR, depending on experience and qualifications. Teaching and student supervision are encouraged, and the project environment supports the development of personal research funding and progression toward an Associate Professor position at the University of Tartu. Applicants must hold a PhD in atmospheric sciences, climate sciences, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Strong English communication skills and experience with Python are required. Experience in satellite remote sensing, aerosol-cloud interactions, and data analysis/programming is preferred. The application deadline is 14 September 2026 at 21:00 UTC. The earliest start date is November 2026, though a later start date is possible. Applications should be submitted via the University of Tartu job-offer page.