Biosphere Modeler for the Tipping Point Modeling Intercomparison Project (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 field of Earth system and climate modeling, PIK is looking for a

Biosphere Modeler for the Tipping Point Modeling Intercomparison Project (m/f/d)

(Position number: 25-2024 Biosphere Modeler)

starting on 01.08.2024 or later.

The position is funded until June 2027. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E13. The position is a full-time position with a weekly working time of 40 hours per week. Appointment is conditional on approval by the funding agency. The position can be filled on a part-time basis with a minimum of 32 hours per week.

The Tipping Point Modelling Intercomparison Project (TIPMIP) is an international initiative that aims to systematically advance our understanding of tipping dynamics and associated critical thresholds which might commit parts of the Earth system to large-scale, non-linear change. Earth system components which might show such non-linear behavior include the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, the Amazon rainforest, boreal forests and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. 

The biosphere modeler position in TIPMIP will contribute to the further development and evaluation of the TIPMIP Biosphere protocol with a focus on studying potential tipping dynamics in the Amazon rainforest and boreal forests. In addition to protocol development and performing TIPMIP Biosphere simulations, they will serve as a scientific liaison between the TIPMIP core team and the international Earth system/biosphere modeling community.

Key responsibilities

• Further development of the TIPMIP Biosphere protocol for evaluation in TIPMIP phase one and coordinating TIPMIP Biosphere phase 2.0 protocol development;
• Performing “offline” TIPMIP Biosphere simulations with a relevant/appropriate DGVM/ESM models (e.g. POEM/LPJmL);
• Coordinating biosphere domain data submission and distribution with the TIPMIP Data Scientist/Manager;
• Coordinating the TIPMIP Biosphere domain group in close collaboration with the TIPMIP staff and biosphere domain leads;
• Assisting in the preparation of annual online and in-person domain-specific (Biosphere) meetings;
• Interfacing with the Planetary Boundaries science initiative at PIK;
• Contribute to the drafting of project documentation and reports (interim and final project reports, conference reports);
• Analysis of model outputs and publication of results in high-ranked, peer-reviewed, international scientific journals;
• Presentation of key results at international scientific meetings and conferences;
• Support of e.g. interns, students, doctoral candidates, and project scientists in the processing, evaluation and interpretation of data and in the conception and implementation of research projects.

Requirements

• Completed scientific higher education degree (PhD) in the field(s) of Earth science, ecology, biology, geosciences, physics, mathematics, computer science or a comparable field;
• Demonstrated experience performing simulations with Earth system models and/or DGVMs (e.g. LPJmL, aDGVM, JSBACH, etc.);
• Scientific publication record appropriate for the experience level;
• Experience in scientific software development;
• Knowledge of the state-of-the-art in Earth system, climate, and/or biosphere modeling;
• Excellent programming skills e.g. in C, BASH, Python, Fortran;
• Software user knowledge: MS Office, Linux.

We expect

• The ability to work independently and on your own initiative;
• A methodical and systematic approach and the capacity to familiarize yourself quickly with new topics;
• A high level of competence in oral and written German and English (Equivalent to C1 or better in both languages);
• Reliability, engagement, and strong motivation;
• Willingness to travel for work (project meetings, workshops etc.) and take part in additional training(s);
• Strong willingness and capacity to work as a member of a dynamic, growing, and intra-institutional team;
• A high degree of personal and professional organizational skill.

We offer

• The opportunity 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;
• Flexi-time and mobile working (up to 50 % of your hours);
• A collective pay scheme and associated benefits as well as a subsidized travel card for public transport or Deutschland-Ticket Job.

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 as soon as possible, latest by 07.07.2024 directly using our application form below this job advertisement on our website. Application documents should comprise a letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and transcripts, as well as an indication of references. The application process remains open until the position is filled. An external scientific expert may assist in evaluations during the interview process.

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 Donovan Dennis at tipmip@pik-potsdam.de.