Assistant Professor in Climate and Atmospheric Modelling

We are seeking a dedicated and ambitious researcher to strengthen global-scale atmospheric modelling, climate modelling, and environmental/climate advisory capacity at Aarhus University. You will contribute to cutting-edge research on air quality and climate interactions, aerosol-radiation-cloud interactions, satellite data integration, and model development - while also playing a key role in Denmark’s science-based environmental and climate advisory services.

Expected start date and duration of employment

The starting date is 1 January 2027 or as soon possible thereafter with a duration of four years.

Job description

In this position, you will:

• Develop and apply global-scale Earth system models like EC-Earth (European Community Earth system model) and its atmospheric component OpenIFS (Integrated Forecast System)
• Integrate satellite observations into modelling workflows
• Combine numerical models with machine-learning/data-driven approaches
• Contribute to operational and advisory tasks, including:
  • National environmental monitoring programmes
  • Scientific support for Danish authorities and ministries
  • Contributions to European services and advisory
• Participate in and co-lead research and advisory projects, including external funding applications
• Take part in developing and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration both internally and externally

Your profile

We expect that you have:

• A PhD in meteorology, physics, geophysics, mathematical modelling, chemistry, engineering or related disciplines
• Experienece working on aerosol and cloud processes in atmospheric and climate models
• Experience with global atmospheric models, satellite data, and machine learning and emulation techniques
• Programming experience (e.g., Fortran, Python, shell scripting) and HPC workflows

We are looking for a researcher with a strong publication record relative to their career stage and a clear interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. Ideally, you also bring experience with proposal development and external funding. We value curiosity, independence and collaboration, and we are looking for someone who thrives in an environment that combines scientific excellence with societally relevant advisory work.

About the Department

The Department of Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary department within the Faculty of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University. Our research covers a wide range of fields, including physics, chemistry, microbiology, social sciences, geography, and environmental economics. We focus on major societal challenges such as pollution control, land and water management, climate change, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem services.

We have a highly collaborative work environment, where all employees contribute to securing the research and advisory projects that fund more than 70% of the department’s activities. The department provides expert advisory services to ministries and authorities. While we do not run a master’s program in environmental science, there are some opportunities for teaching and supervision. We value equality, diversity, and a strong work-life balance.

Currently, about 140 staff, postdocs, and PhD students work in the department.

The Research Group

The selected candidate will join the Section for Atmospheric Emissions and Modelling in the Group of Atmospheric Modelling, focusing on air pollution processes and climate interactions. The group develops, tests, and applies models that cover various scales—global to local—and examines the environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts of air pollution and climate change. Close collaboration with other sections within the department is essential, particularly in areas such as atmospheric measurements, environmental economics, and geography.

In the group, we specialize in:

• Atmospheric physics and chemistry, including numerical methods and computer science
• Air pollution modelling at global, regional (Northern Hemisphere, Europe, Denmark) and local scales (urban areas, point sources)
• Weather forecast models for various scales
• Integrated assessment modelling (impact on health, environment, and climate)
• Environmental noise modelling
• Climate modelling and its links to air pollution and health
• Decision-support for policy makers on emissions, air quality, and health impacts
  

Work location

The place of work will be at Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. The city of Roskilde (www.roskilde.dk) is located approx. 30 km from Copenhagen. The area provides immediate access to a wealth of cultural and recreational pursuits.

International candidates may find information concerning living and working in Denmark at www.workindenmark.dk. AU International Center offers a full range of services to make your transition to Denmark as smooth as possible (http://www.au.dk/en/internationalcentre/ias/), and the department will assist foreign candidates with finding a suitable place to live.

Contact information

Further information may be obtained by contacting Head of Section; Emission and Atmospheric Modelling, Professor Peter Langen plangen@envs.au.dk, +45 2061 8369, or Head of Department, Professor Carsten Suhr Jacobsen csj@envs.au.dk +45 8715 8701.

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 31 July 2026.

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee and will receive his/her assessment.

Formalities and salary range

Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.