Stellenangebot / Job offer
Postdoctoral researcher in estuarine coupled hydrodynamic-biogeochemical modeling
The department Ecosystem Modeling studies new hypotheses on key ecosystem processes related to the human-driven transformation of coastal ecosystems. We conduct realistic, coupled physical-biological simulations of coastal ecosystems and develop scenarios for the impacts of climate change as well as for sustainable management of coastal ecosystems. As a second department hosting the position, the department Hydrodynamics and Data Assimilation develops numerical models for the ocean, the waves and the estuaries using the most modern technology for data analysis and data assimilation. The data is collected with a broad spectrum of new measurement systems that facilitate the development of improved predictions for extreme events.
The research project „Effect of anthropogenic modifications and climate change on greenhouse gas emissions along the river-ocean continuum“ (AGRIO) examines the transformation of organic matter into the greenhouse gases (GHGs) CO2, CH4, and N2O. Field observations and numerical models of the Elbe-North Sea system will help us understand the impacts of human action on GHG dynamics and develop strategies to mitigate emissions, balancing ecological conservation with human development.
For our interdisciplinary and inter-institutional team at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Helmholtz Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI) and Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon we are seeking a Postdoctoral researcher (24 months,100%) in estuarine coupled hydrodynamic-biogeochemical modeling. The position announced is limited to 24 full months and anticipated starting time for the position is January 1st, 2025.
Your tasks:
- apply and validate the hydrodynamic model SCHISM in an Elbe estuary context
- develop a new version of an existing biogeochemical model (OMexDia+P) that includes relevant pathways for methane and nitrous oxide
- integrate this model in the FABM framework and a benthic-pelagic coupled ecosystem context within SCHISM
- apply this tool to perform regional hydrodynamic/ecosystem simulations for the Elbe system, using HPC resources at Hereon and DKRZ
- support coupling of this system to AGRIO partner models at AWI and UFZ
Your profile:
- M.Sc. and doctoral degree in physics, environmental sciences or related disciplines
- profound experiences using analysis and visualization tools for geoscientific applications
- familiarity with Linux environments and high performance computing
- good coding skills, preferentially in modern Fortran and Python
- good research and modeling practices, among them collaborative software development
- demonstrated experience in communicating scientific results in high quality publications
- excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of German would be of advantage



