Postdoctoral Scientist

Max Planck Institute for Meteorology; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Participation in challenging projects

Flexible time management

Opportunity for short research stays in Brazil

Short stays at ATTO (Brazil)

Flexible time management

Job summary

A leading research institute in Hamburg is offering a Postdoctoral Scientist position focused on studying the interactions between the water cycle and carbon cycle. The successful candidate will conduct simulations using the next-generation ICON model and validate their findings with observed data. Candidates should hold a PhD in a related field and possess strong programming skills. The position offers opportunities for research in Brazil and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in meteorology, oceanography, physics, mathematics, engineering, or related fields.
• Experience with model simulations is an advantage.
• Excellent programming skills in Python.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Track record of excellent research as documented by publications and presentations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to work autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Conduct simulations with the Sapphire configuration of the ICON model.
• Validate the representation of the water and carbon cycles using observations.
• Investigate the effect of deforestation using simulation data.
• Integrate ATTO observations in earth-system model simulations.

Skills

Programming skills in Python

Knowledge of water and carbon cycles

Research experience

Education

PhD degree in related fields

Tools

ICON model

Job description

Overview

Postdoctoral Scientist position at Max Planck Institute for Meteorology. The successful applicant will join a team studying interactions between the water cycle and carbon cycle, combining observations and the next-generation km-scale Earth-system model ICON. The position is a 3-year appointment (W-0049 | all genders).

Responsibilities

• Conduct simulations with the Sapphire configuration of the ICON model including carbon cycle at a grid spacing of a few kilometers.
• Validate the representation of the water and carbon cycles using observations from the Amazon Tall Tower.
• Investigate the effect of deforestation on the carbon cycle using the simulation data.
• Serve as focal point for the integration of ATTO observations in earth-system model simulations within the collaborative project ATTOsynthesis – Synthesis and modeling of forest-atmosphere interactions at the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory.

Your Profile

• PhD degree in meteorology, oceanography, physics, mathematics, engineering, or related fields.
• Experience with model simulations is an advantage but not required.
• Knowledge of and interest in the physics of the water and carbon cycles.
• Excellent programming skills in Python (or related languages).
• Track record of excellent research as documented by scientific publications, presentations and personal references.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to work autonomously.

Our Offer

• Participation in challenging and internationally recognized projects.
• Opportunity to develop an individual research profile.
• Opportunity to work with a next-generation earth system model and conduct first-of-their-kind simulations.
• Short research stays in Brazil and at ATTO.
• Collaboration with experienced colleagues within the institute and project partners with a tradition of knowledge sharing.
• Flexible time management and measures to support work‑life balance.

Employment Conditions

• The position is available as soon as possible and ends 31 March 2028.
• Salary according to German public service positions (E 14 TVöD), including extensive social security plans.
• Employment follows Max Planck Society rules and German civil service regulations.
• Commitment to gender and diversity equality; applications from all backgrounds are welcome.
• Encouragement of applications from individuals with disabilities.

Interested?

Applications received via our online application before September 5, 2025 will receive full consideration. Deadline: September 5, 2025.

Contact

For further information, please contact Dr Cathy Hohenegger. Do not forward your application to this email address. The application documents should include a cover letter, detailed CV, relevant certificates, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of two referees. All documents (PDF only) must be submitted through the online application system.

Max Planck Institute for Meteorology
20146 Hamburg
Germany
www.mpimet.mpg.de

Location

Hamburg, Germany