Earth Monitoring Science Position (m/f/d)

The climate needs bright minds. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) addresses crucial scientific questions in the fields of global change, climate impacts and sustainable development. It is one of the world's leading research insti­tutions in its field and offers natural and social scientists from around the world an inspiring environment for excellent inter­disciplinary research.

In the Research Department Earth System Analysis, we are offering an exciting opportunity to be part of the new Planetary Boundary Science Initiative (PBScience). We are offering an

Earth Monitoring Science Position (m/f/d)

(Position number: 04-2024 Earth Monitoring)

in the field of Planetary Boundary Science, ideally starting on 01.04.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is initially funded until March 2027. Extensions are envisaged but depend on new external funding. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13. This is a full-time position with a working time of 40 hours per week. The position can be filled on a part-time basis. Appointment is conditional on approval by the funding agency.

Background:

The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and its partners are launching a major project: The Planetary Boundary Science Initiative (PBScience).

To quantify the status of the Earth with respect to the Planetary Boundaries, we need to scope and collect various datasets. This will be achieved by establishing an international network tailored to data collection and integration. These data will also be used to contribute to the data-validation needs of the modelling components of PBScience.

Key responsibilities:

Advance Planetary Boundary Science and conduct in-depth research to scope and collect datasets related to Planetary Boundaries. This includes to

• Scope an international network dedicated to the collection and integration of earth observation data, drawing on the existing networks of Future Earth and the European Space Agency
• Enhance global aggregate quantifications of PB transgression for each boundary using collected data
• Develop global maps of PB control variables, annually updating to improve understanding of the PB transgressions and their evolution
• Use the collected data to provide essential input and validation for PB modelling
• Work on synthesizing and compiling the annual PB Health Check report
• Present results at academic conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals
  

Requirements:

We require a PhD in a relevant subject area (e.g. Physics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, or a related field), experience in Earth Monitoring (ideally in Remote Sensing) and a good scientific publication record appropriate for the level of experience.

We expect:

• A solid understanding in earth monitoring techniques
• Strong analytical and research skills, with proficiency in data inter­pretation
• Experience in establishing and managing inter­national networks for data collection and integration
• Proficiency in data visualization tools and techniques
• Good programming skills
• the ability to work independently and on your own initiative
• structured and goal-oriented thinking
• capacity to familiarize yourself quickly with new topics
• creativity and openness to new approaches
• high level of proficiency in the English language
• reliability, the ability to cope with the challenges of research environments, and a high level of motivation
• willingness to travel for work (project meetings, workshops etc.) and take part in further training
• capacity for teamwork 
• organisational talent
  

We offer:

• the chance to be part of a creative, interdisciplinary team
• a stimulating working environment in an inter­nationally recognized research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin
• flexitime and mobile working (up to 50% of your hours)
• a collective pay scheme and associated benefits as well as a subsidized travel card
  

PIK values equality and diversity. We encourage applications without photo. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of ethnic and social origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, care responsibilities, or age. PIK seeks to increase the share of women in scientific positions and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. In cases of equal qualification and within the given legal scope, women will be given preference. PIK also encourages applications by parents returning from parental leave.

Please apply by 11.03.2024 directly using our application form .
The application process remains open until the position is filled.

If you hold an international higher education qualification, please also submit the Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. In the case that you do not yet have a ZAB Statement of Comparability for your qualification, please be aware that you will need to request this if your application is successful. You can find further information on this website: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education.html

For further information or to discuss the position, please contact Dr. Levke Caesar, Telephone +49 (0)331-288-27042 or per email: [email protected] .