Helmholtz Young Investigator groups (YIGs) support early independent young scientists giving them a chance to build and lead their own group and work on a scientifc project of their own choosing for a time period of six years. Only a handfull of positions are granted per year. I was lucky enough to get my project funded on the 2020 call and the YIG "Airborne Cloud Observations" was established in May 2020 at KIT. By the end of 2020, the YIG has grown with a PhD student and a postdoc researcher.
Within the six project years, we aim to (1) increase the understanding of cirrus cloud optical properties through innovative measurement methods, and (2) improve the current optical parameterisations in climate models in order to reduce the uncertainty related to the role of ice clouds in our climate. We perform both experimental work including airborne measurements and theoretical work on the fundamental light scattering properties of non-spherical ice crystals. You can follow our progress here, via twitter or though KIT website.
If you are interested in our work and looking for a bachelor, master or PhD student position, please feel free to contact me!