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.

For the working group “Machine Learning” PIK is offering a 2-year Postdoc (100%) or 3-year PhD (75%) (m/f/d) (Position number: 63-2024 Postdoc Machine Learning) position in the field of Machine Learning for Emulation of Earth system models, starting on 01.07.2025.

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 per week. The position can be filled on a part-time basis.

The position is funded via the HorizonEurope project “Past to Future: Towards fully plaeo-informed future climate projections”, which will start on January 1st 2025. This large EU project with 24 partners aims to advance Earth system models with regard to improved reproduction of climate variability as evidenced in paleoclimate proxy archives, including model re-calibrations and development of new, efficient model components also using machine learning approaches.

Key responsibilities

• Development of ML-based emulators of process-based Earth system model components
• Development of methods for efficient re-callibration of Earth system models for improved representation of paleoclimate variability
• Collaboration with other project partners regarding re-calibration of Earth system models Scientific publications reporting on project outcomes

Requirements

• MSc (when applying for the PhD position) or PhD (when applying for the Postdoc position) in applied mathematics, machine learning, physics, meteorology or related field
• Experience with machine learning methods is required
• Experience in developing and running Earth system models is of advantage
• Experience with paleoclimate proxy data and / or Earth system model simulations is of advantage

We expect

• the ability to work independently and on your own initiative
• a methodical and systematic approach
• structured and goal-oriented thinking
• capacity to familiarise yourself quickly with new topics
• creativity and openness to new approaches
• a high level of competence in oral and written English
• reliability, engagement, 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 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 28.02.2025 directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website.

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 Prof. Dr. Niklas Boers.