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 a new development phase of the Institute. We are offering an

Atmospheric Scientist position (m/f/d)
(Position number: 50-2024 Atmospheric)

in the field of Earth system modelling, ideally starting on 01.12.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is initially funded until 31.03.2027. 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 weekly working time of 40 hours. The position can be filled on a part-time basis.

Background
At PIK, we are developing a model to bridge the gap between traditional Earth system models of intermediate complexity and the current generation of comprehensive models, called the Potsdam Earth Model (POEM). Instead of focusing on the highest resolution feasible, POEM is designed to be as comprehensive as possible by including as many Earth system components as possible (including land use, biosphere with dynamic vegetation, ice sheets, dynamic bathymetry, the carbon and nitrogen cycles, the marine biosphere, ...) to simulate the interactions and feedbacks within and between these systems. This is crucial when studying tipping points, Earth resilience and the risk of transgressing Planetary Boundaries.

Key responsibilities
In the context of an international research initiative, the candidate is expected to provide expertise in atmospheric physics and contribute to advancing our modelling capabilities with our integrated Earth system modelling framework POEM with a special focus on the atmosphere and conduct climate simulations to answer research questions.

Requirements
We require a PhD in a relevant subject area (e.g., atmospheric science, climate modelling, mathematics, physics, or related field), numerical modelling experience, and a good scientific publication record appropriate for the level of experience. Experience with GFDL models and good programming skills in languages such as Python, Fortran or C++ are welcomed.

We expect
a solid understanding of atmospheric physics advanced skills in scientific modelling and computing 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  organizational talent

We offer
the chance to be part of a creative, interdisciplinary team,  a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised 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 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 by 30.09.2024 directly using our application form below this job advertisement on our website. 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 may 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. Georg Feulner.