PostDoc (m/f/d) on Aerosol effects on atmospheric dynamics

Other

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a foundation under public law jointly financed by the Federal Republic of Germany (90%) and the State of Schleswig-Holstein (10%). It is one of the internationally leading institutions in the field of marine research.

Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we contribute significantly to the preservation of the function and protection of the ocean for future generations. The research unit Marine Meteorology works on quantifying and better understanding the relative importance of atmospheric and oceanic processes in controlling climate variability and changes on a large range of timescales: from hourly, through decadal, to centennial timescales. The research unit offers a young and culturally diverse team, an internationally active working environment, the possibility to be part of academic teaching, and support on technical question.

The research unit Marine Meteorology of the research division Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics is offering a

starting as soon as possible. We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist for fundamental research on the effect of aerosols on climate. The aim is to quantify and qualitatively understand circulation responses to temporal changes in aerosol radiative forcing. The work will include the use of existing model output and observations, as well as the performance of new climate model experiments using high-performance computing systems.

The position is funded by the European Union’s H2020 project EXPECT (No.: 101137656 HORIZON-CL5-2023-D1-01). EXPECT will develop a capability for integrated attribution and prediction of regional climate changes - to which this position will contribute via the development of updated and new forcing data. Specifically, the work includes the creation and testing of new datasets for anthropogenic aerosol optical properties and an associated effect on clouds for use in climate predictions and in experiments of CMIP7. The successful candidate will internationally collaborate with other research institutes and modelling centers from the EXPECT consortium and beyond.  

Job Description

• Fundamental research on the effects of anthropogenic aerosols on atmospheric dynamics
• Co-creation of new anthropogenic aerosol dataset for CMIP7
• Performing and analyzing experiments with ICON, Germany’s next CMIP model on high-performance computer
• Scientific analysis of big data sets from model experiments and observations, including the application of automatic detection algorithms for dynamic processes which may contain methods of machine learning for pattern detection
• Graphical display of the results
• Scientific publications of the results as journal articles
• Presentations at conferences and workshops of the field

Qualification

• Very good Phd degree in Physics, Meteorology, Climate Science, Informatics, or closely related field
• An excellent physical understanding of weather and climate
• Knowledge about atmospheric dynamics, climate change, climate modelling, and/or aerosols and their effects desirable
• Very good programming skills (python, shell scripts, FORTRAN and/or comparable), experience with complex programs and performing experiments with climate models (ICON, MPI-ESM1.2 or similar) desirable
• Interest in using methods of machine learning and high performance-computing, knowledge and experience desirable
• Very good oral and written English skills, German is not mandatory
• Good presentation skills and the willingness for inter-/national travel
• Ability to work in teams and self responsibly, interest in further developing own skills

At a workplace, directly on the Kiel Fjord with many leisure and recreational opportunities, we offer you:

• Good conditions for work-life balance: We offer, among other things, individual working time arrangements, vacation courses for the children of our employees, and good support in finding a place in a daycare center in Kiel
• Support services for professional and personal life situations
• An exciting work environment with the opportunity to provide important impetus for the development of sustainable solutions
• Exciting topics in an international environment
• Work in the field of marine and climate research, a forward-looking area with social significance
• 30 vacation days + additional time off at Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits

The project will start on 1 April 2024, so the aim is to fill the position as soon as possible. The position is available for a funding period of initially two years. If the relevant requirements are met, remuneration will be up to pay group E13 (TVöD-Bund). This is a full-time position. The position is not divisible, flexible working time models are generally possible.

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists and explicitly encourages qualified female academics to apply. GEOMAR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages scientists with disabilities to apply. Qualified disabled applicants will receive preference in the application process.

Please submit your application including a motivation letter, CV and publication list not later than 15th March 2024 via the following link:

Online application

As soon as the selection procedure has finished, all your application data will be removed according to data protection regulation. Questions on the status of your application can be answered when you send an e-mail to bewerbung(at)geomar.de including the keyword

“ME-PD-2”. You can contact Prof. Dr. Stephanie Fiedler (sfiedler(at)geomar.de) for further information regarding the position and the research unit.

For further information on GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel or the Helmholtz Association, please visit www.geomar.de or www.helmholtz.de.

GEOMAR is committed to an objective and non-discriminatory personnel selection. Our job advertisements address all people. We expressly renounce the submission of application photos.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.