Postdoc/Researcher in palaeoclimate-vegetation modelling (VeWA Project C2) (m/w/d) (E13 TV-H, 100% part-time/full-time, 39 months)

This position is based on research within the LOEWE consortium VeWA, specifically subproject C2. In this project, the role of dynamic vegetation changes in the climate system should be explored with a coupled vegetation-climate model, in particular to advance our understanding of polar amplification. Simulated climate gradients and vegetation shifts will be evaluated against the results from other VeWA projects and existing data. The vegetation-climate modelling will be carried out in collaboration with C1, most likely with the Community Earth System Model (CESM). In addition, a more detailed dynamic global vegetation model (LPJ-GUESS) should be used to simulate climate-driven changes in vegetation composition and structure to investigate habitat changes for mammals and other organism groups at the World Heritage site “Grube Messel” and in North America (with projects B1-B3). B-projects will also provide forcing data derived from geological proxies. The vegetation modelling will be facilitated by other members of the LPJ-GUESS development group. A contribution to the public outreach initiative of VeWA is envisaged.

Qualifications: Candidates with a completed Masters or PhD degree (preferred) in geosciences, environmental science, biology, meteorology or environmental physics should apply. Excellent programming skills and experience with running complex Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models (AOGCMs), dynamic global vegetation models or others models of similar complexity is required. We expect a highly self-motivated student with excellent communication skills, both written and oral, in English. Applicants with a geoscience, climate or physics background should also have a strong interest into vegetation dynamics and biology.

Key to the success of VeWA will be cooperation and interaction amongst the VeWA researchers, co-PIs and PIs, as well as VeWA partners, such that teamwork and interpersonal skills are very important. The successful candidate will be trained in the relevant geological and modelling methods and supported by YoungScientists@SGN. As part of VeWA, we offer excellent working conditions, an international multi-disciplinary working environment and excellent research infrastructure.

Salary and benefits are according to a public service position in Germany (TV-H E 13). The contract should start on May 1st 2020 and will be limited for 3 years and 3 months.

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung supports equal opportunity of men and women and therefore strongly invites women to apply. Equally qualified handicapped applicants will be given preference. The place of employment will be Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Interested? Please send your application, mentioning the reference of this job offer (ref. #11-20006 (VeWA-C2) by March 15^th 2020 (deadline) by e-mail (attachment in a single pdf document) consisting of a motivation letter, a detailed CV, detailed description of research experience and interests (2 p.), names and addresses of three potential scientific referees, and an abstract of the MSc/PhD thesis (1 p.) or two relevant published articles to: Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main; E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de. For scientific enquiries please contact Prof. Dr. Thomas Hickler (thomas.hickler@senckenberg.de).