Postdoc – Land Surface Modelling Full-time NEW

Postdoc – Land Surface Modelling

In the coming decades, climate change and land use change will have a significant impact on the performance of terrestrial ecosystems in terms of their services (food, feed, fiber, energy) and the challenges facing society. At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3), we are developing solutions to secure ecosystem services based on an improved understanding of hydrological and biogeochemical processes in terrestrial systems. Innovative observation technologies are combined with laboratory experiments and modeling to research and predict terrestrial processes across scales (from the pore scale to the field scale to the continental scale), thereby contributing to the sustainable use of natural resources such as water, soil, and the atmosphere.

Your Job

In the context of the ACTUATE project (Helmholtz, Syncom), you will perform land surface model simulations to analyze the impact of future extreme weather events on water resources and agriculture over Europe. Future extreme weather events will be provided by project partners in the form of storyline simulations. You will also simulate the impact of different adaptation measures. Main tasks will be:

• Performing land surface model simulations over Europe
• Analysis of large model simulation datasets with a focus on water resources (soil moisture, groundwater, river discharge); agriculture (crop yield) and forest (biomass)
• Definition of adaptation scenarios in the areas of water resources, agriculture and forest management and simulation of their impact
• Participation in project meetings (online and in Germany)
• Presentation of results in international publications, conferences, project reports and popular media

Your Profile

• A Master degree in nature science or engineering and a PhD degree with a strong academic background in earth system science and simulations
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, Fortran, C++, R, …)
• Very good background in simulation models, preferably land surface, atmospheric and/or hydrological models
• Good background in the analysis of large datasets
• Very good organisational skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Effective communication skills and an interest in contributing to a highly international and interdisciplinary team
• Motivation for further academic development, like writing funding proposals and contribution in supervision of MSc and PhD students
• Working proficiency of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required for daily communication and professional contexts (at least B2 level according to the CEFR ), supported by a certificate confirming the language level (TOEFL or equivalent or excemption required)
• Knowledge of German is beneficial

Please feel free to apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge. We may be able to teach you missing skills during your induction.

Our Benefits for You

We work on highly topical, socially relevant issues and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! You can expect a wide range of opportunities:

• Meaningful tasks: The position offers a varied and diverse role in an international environment
• Work-life balance: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly company policy. The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation (depending on the chosen working time model) plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year's)
• Flexibility: Flexible working time models, including options close to full-time, allow you to tailor your working hours to suit your individual needs
• Knowledge & further training: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support
• Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings – e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
• Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
• Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade EG 13 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 69 ff. of the PDF download
• Additional benefits: Benefit from attractive additional services such as a company pension scheme with employer contribution. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus.
• Fixed-term: The position is limited to 2 years
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
• Career Center: You will receive explicit support with regard to your career development opportunities

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

Place of Employment: Jülich Start Date: As soon as possible Working Hours: 39 Hours / Week Salary: EG 13 TVöD-Bund Application Deadline: 2026-06-14