Description

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting-edge inter­national research for a changing world: Around 1,100 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world’s coastal systems and the resource-compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the inter­disciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.

Institute of Coastal Systems Analysis and Modeling

The Institute for Coastal Systems Analysis and Modeling studies the dynamics of coastal systems as part of the Earth system and develops prediction methods and future scenarios for coastal systems. One focus of our research is the study of coastal ecosystems, which are subject to increasing pressure to change due to climate change, use of coastal environments, and other human drivers.

Postdoc Position

Reference code: 50089731_2 – 2022/KS 7
Commencement date: 1st, March 2023
Work location: Geesthacht
Application deadline: 2nd, January 2023

The working group for Matter Transport and Ecosystem Dynamics at the Department of System Analysis and Modelling invites applications for a researcher/postdoc position on coupled physical-biogeochemical modelling. The position is limited to 38 months.

The successful candidate will work in the frame of the EU Project NECCTON , which follows the overall objective to improve the CMEMS capability to provide operational products for biodiversity and food resources. Based on the available ECOSMO E2E model, the successful candidate will work on the development/improvement of a higher trophic level model for fish production usable in different regions and model implementations, which ensures modularity to lower trophic level ecosystem models. The focus of the work will be on the Arctic and Baltic Sea system and include technical work with regard to reprogramming of the available model code, testing and re-calibrating of the model in the Arctic MFC model system TOPAZ, model validation and application in hindcast and forecast simulations. In that context, we will work in close collaboration with the respective Copernicus MFCs (marine forecast centre’s).

Additionally, the position offers the opportunity to work on the topic of improved parameterization of fish migration using machine learning in 3d numerical ecosystem models in collaboration with an associated position in the working group for “model-driven machine learning” at Hereon.

The Institute of coastal systems – analysis and modelling at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon hosts a number of highly motivated and experienced researchers in the broad field of coastal research. Our research focus lies on numerical modelling of coastal processes with specific expertise in modelling of atmosphere and marine biogeochemistry and interactions between different environmental compartments on regional and coastal scales.

Equality of opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position. The position can be filled part-time in principle.

Your tasks

• reprogramming of ECOSMO E2E within FABM to separate LTL and HTL components
• testing of model implementation in the coarse and high-resolution model setup of TOPAZ-ECOSMO used in the ARCTIC MFC
• data collection for Model-validation in Arctic and Subarctic systems
• re-calibration and potentially restructuring of model components to address functional groups relevant for the Arctic food web and required for management purposes to ensure relevant products for MFC
• testing of the HTL model in the Baltic Sea
• hindcast and forecast simulations and analysis for dedicated case studies
• testing of fish migration strategies
• work as an integrative part of a motivated multidisciplinary team within the institute and external academic partners
• write scientific publications in peer reviewed journals
• presentation of results at meetings and international conferences

Your profile

• PhD in oceanography, geosciences, marine biology, environmental sciences or related disciplines
• expert knowledge on marine ecosystem modelling
• expert knowledge in physical-biological model coupling (knowledge of FABM would be an advantage)
• knowledge in physical-biogeochemical process interactions in the marine realm
• expert knowledge in scientific programming with FORTRAN and related analysing programming languages (e.g. MATLAB, R, Python)
• very good knowledge of English (written and oral)
• good communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team of various fields of geosciences
• experience in Data analysis using statistical methods

We offer you

• multinational work environment with over 1,100 colleagues from more than 50 nations
• extensive options of vocational training (i. a. expert seminars, language courses or leadership seminars)
• flexible working hours and various models to ensure the compatibility of family and career
• excellent infrastructure, including a scientific in-house library as well as modern work spaces
• remuneration according to the standards of the collective wage agreement TV-AVH including further social benefits
• free employee advice – Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• childcare offers
• Welcome Office, guest accommodation
• canteen at the Geesthacht location

Interested?
Then we are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, transcripts, certificates etc.) indicating the reference number 2022/KS 7

Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.