Postdoc in Arctic Regions

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state government. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry and geophysics thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.
- PostDoc in Arctic Regions (DT4CZ Project) (f/d/m)

**Background**
The Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team for the DT4CZ (Digital Twins for Critical Zone under Climate Change) project, focusing on permafrost dynamics in Arctic regions. The DT4CZ project aims to develop a catchment-scale digital twin system (cDTS) for critical zones to integrate remote and in-situ measurements with advanced numerical models. This interdisciplinary initiative seeks to simulate various climate scenarios and their impacts on the critical zone, particularly focusing on permafrost areas. This research is crucial for understanding how climate change affects permafrost and developing strategies for mitigation and adaptation.

**Your Tasks**
Your three main tasks are:
**1.** Analysis of long-term observational data**:

- Analyze field data to understand the interactions between snow, vegetation, and soil properties and their influence on permafrost temperatures and thaw rates focusing on **Svalbard (Bayelva).**

**2.** Model Development and Integration**:

- Develop and implement data
- and process-driven models to simulate permafrost dynamics under various climate scenarios,
- Integrate multidisciplinary datasets into the catchment-scale digital twin system, including remote sensing and in-situ observations.

**3. Collaboration and Dissemination**:

- Collaborate with researchers across various disciplines, including geomorphology, hydrology, and data science, to enhance the understanding of permafrost-climate feedback,
- Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences,
- Contribute to the development of policy recommendations based on the socio-economic impacts of permafrost thawing and other climate extremes.

**Your Profile**
- PhD in Earth Sciences, Data Science, Physics, Environmental Science, or a related field,
- Expert knowledge in programming and statistics for data analysis,
- Knowledge of permafrost research and data analysis,
- Experience with numerical modeling and familiarity with process-based and machine-learning models,
- Proficiency in handling large datasets and integrating multidisciplinary data sources,
- Experience with remote sensing techniques and geospatial data analysis is advantageous,
- Knowledge of socio-economic modeling and the impacts of climate change on Arctic communities is advantageous,
- Fluency in English language (written and spoken) is required. Generally, good communication, teamwork, and writing skills are required.

**Further Information**

This is a full-time position, limited to 2 years. It is also suitable for part-time employment. The earliest starting date is April 01st, 2025, but can be as late as July 01, 2025. or after. The project DT4CZ is a collaboration project with the **GFZ**, **UFZ**, **FZJ**. 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 **Postdam.**

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

**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 and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular 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)

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.

Reference number: 24/188/G/Geo-b