Postdoc position: The NatClim project – Deadline 22 October 2026

We are looking for a paleoclimate modelling scientist to join the NatClim team to provide a hypothetical natural baseline of Earth’s climate as a basis for an improved quantification of absolute future anthropogenic effects on millennial timescales. This part of the project will be conducted in Bremerhaven in direct collaboration with Cardiff University (Prof Stephen Barker), which hosts the data-focused parts of the project.

• Generate long-term (~10,000 years) simulations of future climate using the state-of-the-art global climate model AWI-ESM
• Analyse and compare the simulations without and with manmade impacts (based on long term emission scenarios)
• Provide a quantitative assessment of the absolute impacts of mankind on climate in both time and space for the coming millennia

• PhD degree in climate sciences or paleoclimatology
• Strong knowledge in coupled climate dynamics including ice sheets
• Proven scientific record in relevant international journals
• Strong experience in running and analysing climate simulations using complex coupled models
• Experience with HPC job scheduling and operations
• Proficiency with programming languages (e.g. Fortran, Python, preferred) and Linux/Unix systems, version control (git), and technical documentation
• Very good command of English (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1)
• Strong sense of responsibility and self-motivation

• Experience in running and analysing the earth system model AWI-ESM with interactive ice sheets

• Contact in day-to-day work: with up to 5 people
• Communication: predominantly internal (with colleagues and other departments)
  in the following ways

1. By telephone: rather rarely (once a month or less)
2. E-mail: frequently (daily or several times a week)
3. Video conferencing (e.g. Webex): occasionally (several times a month)
4. Personal contact in presence: frequently (daily or several times a week)

• Movement around the workplace: rarely (mainly in the same room)
• Business trips: rather infrequent (once or twice a year) to occasional (several times a year)
• Expeditions: do not occur

Please note that the general conditions listed serve as a guide and may vary depending on the specific area of application.

For further information on the specific position, please reach out to Dr Gregor Knorr (gregor.knorr@awi.de; +49 471 4831-1769).

If you have any general questions about the application process, our Recruiting team will be glad to support you – please contact Elisabeth Wildt (bewerbungsmanagement@awi.de, +49 471 4831-2236).
In this overview you will find further contact persons for various matters.

This is a full-time position, limited to 47 months (January 1^st, 2027 to November 30^th, 2030). It is also suitable for part-time employment. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13. Employment typically starts at experience levels 1 to 3. For more information on the current pay scale, please visit our careers page.

The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All postdocs will register with AWI’s postdoc office PROCEED and thus gain access to a set of tailor-made career development tools.

• Excellent research environment with access to globally unique infrastructure, comprehensive datasets, and international expeditions
• Opportunity to develop and pursue independent scientific ideas and innovative research approaches addressing societally relevant questions
• Close scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation within the institute as well as with national and international partners
• An international working environment with daily interaction with colleagues from around the world
• Opportunities for professional and personal development
• Flexible working hours
• Annual special payment in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TVöD Bund)
• Occupational health promotion and company fitness programme with Hansefit
• Support services and an established culture promoting work–life balance, e.g. through our family office offering childcare services (e.g. holiday programmes) as well as advice on family and care responsibilities
• Occupational pension scheme (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, disabilities, 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 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.

Please submit your application online only by October 22^nd, 2026. We kindly ask you to apply in English. No photo is required – we value your qualifications and experience.

Reference number: 26/90/D/Kli-b