Background
Earth system models play a significant role in the prediction of climatechange. They simulate different components of the whole Earth system, like theocean and/or the atmosphere. One important component is marine biogeochemistry,which affects on the cycling of carbon. All model components involveuncertainties, such as initial states, parameters, or the process description.This PhD position aims to improve the simulation of ocean biogeochemistry, e.g.nutrients, plankton and carbon, by developing machine learning methods fromensemble-based data assimilation and applying them to an ocean biogeochemicalmodel. A particular focus will be on developing methods to utilize opticalsatellite observations, which offer new possibilities due to their richness ofinformation.
The PhD student will work in the research group Data Assimilation at theinteresting interface of methodology and application with real-world modelsetups. This work will be performed as part of the graduate school MarDATA“Helmholtz School for Marine Data Science” (www.mardata.de), which offersexcellent possibilities for interdisciplinary research and exchange with otherPhD students within MarDATA and with the project partners from mathematics, marinebiogeoscience and remote sensing. The work involves programming tasks, usingthe complex biogeochemical model in combination with an ocean model, and, inparticular, the mathematical and numerical analysis of the modeling results.
Your Tasks
- Developing methods of ensemble-based data assimilation for the assimilation of optical satellite data
- Applying the methods with the Regulated Ecosystem Model (REcoM) and analyzing the results
- Publishing and presenting research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences.
Your Profile
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline
- Experience in software development in Python, Fortran, C/C++, or related programming languages
- Fluency in English, both written and oral.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
- Interest or experience in one or more of the fields of Marine Sciences
- Knowledge in using Unix/Linux computers
- Basic knowledge of statistical estimation methods
- Basic knowledge of data assimilation methodology.
Further Information
For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr. Lars Nerger (Lars.Nerger@awi.de, +49(471)4831-1558).
This is a full-time position, limited to 3 years. 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 (100 %). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.
All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.
The AWI is characterized by
- our scientific success – excellent research
- collaboration and cooperation – intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
- opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
- an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
- flexible working hours
- health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
- support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
- occupational 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.
We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application by November 10th 2024, exclusively online including a statement of research interests.
Reference number: 24/173/G/Bio-b
More information about the call and the application form can be found here.