Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Job description:PostDoc in Arctic Regions (DT4CZ Project) (f/d/m)

Background

The Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team for the DT4CZ (Digital Twins for Critical Zone under Climate Change) project, focusing on permafrost dynamics in Arctic regions. The DT4CZ project aims to develop a catchment-scale digital twin system (cDTS) for critical zones to integrate remote and in-situ measurements with advanced numerical models. This interdisciplinary initiative seeks to simulate various climate scenarios and their impacts on the critical zone, particularly focusing on permafrost areas. This research is crucial for understanding how climate change affects permafrost and developing strategies for mitigation and adaptation.

Your Tasks

Your three main tasks are:

1. Analysis of long-term observational data:

• ㆍAnalyze field data to understand the interactions between snow, vegetation, and soil properties and their influence on permafrost temperatures and thaw rates focusing on Svalbard (Bayelva).

2. Model Development and Integration:

• ㆍDevelop and implement data- and process-driven models to simulate permafrost dynamics under various climate scenarios,
• ㆍIntegrate multidisciplinary datasets into the catchment-scale digital twin system, including remote sensing and in-situ observations.

3. Collaboration and Dissemination:

• ㆍCollaborate with researchers across various disciplines, including geomorphology, hydrology, and data science, to enhance the understanding of permafrost-climate feedback,
• ㆍPublish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences,
• ㆍContribute to the development of policy recommendations based on the socio-economic impacts of permafrost thawing and other climate extremes.

Your Profile

• ㆍPhD in Earth Sciences, Data Science, Physics, Environmental Science, or a related field,
• ㆍExpert knowledge in programming and statistics for data analysis,
• ㆍKnowledge of permafrost research and data analysis,
• ㆍExperience with numerical modeling and familiarity with process-based and machine-learning models,
• ㆍProficiency in handling large datasets and integrating multidisciplinary data sources,
• ㆍExperience with remote sensing techniques and geospatial data analysis is advantageous,
• ㆍKnowledge of socio-economic modeling and the impacts of climate change on Arctic communities is advantageous,
• ㆍFluency in English language (written and spoken) is required. Generally, good communication, teamwork, and writing skills are required.

Further Information

The AWI is characterized by

The AWI is characterized by

• ㆍour scientific success - excellent research
• ㆍcollaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
• ㆍopportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
• ㆍan international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
• ㆍflexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular working hours
• ㆍhealth promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
• ㆍsupport services and a culture of reconciling work and family
• ㆍoccupational pension provision (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.

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.