Junior research position (m/f/d)

The climate needs bright minds. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) addresses crucial scientific questions in the fields of global change, climate impacts and sustainable development. It is one of the world's leading research insti­tutions in its field and offers natural and social scientists from around the world an inspiring environment for excellent inter­disciplinary research.

For the ReForMit project, PIK is offering a

Junior research position (m/f/d)

(Position number: 35-2025 Junior Research)

in the field of Earth system analysis and vegetation modelling, starting on 01.01.2026.

The position is initially funded for 2 years, but an extension is envisaged. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13. This is a part-time position with a weekly working time of 30 hours per week.

Background:

Forest-based climate mitigation is critical for limiting global warming and has important implications for biosphere functions such as freshwater and biodiversity. However, there are major knowledge gaps with regard to the future resilience of forest-based interventions. The ReForMit project (understanding and securing the Resilience of Forest-based climate change Mitigation), in close collaboration with the Stockholm Resilience Centre, Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and Stockholm International Water Institute, aims to close these gaps, by generating knowledge on how to safeguard the biophysical and social-ecological resilience of forest-based climate change mitigation measures.

We are seeking a forest modeller with a background in Ecology, Physics or similar and interest in applications to biosphere integrity, climate and hydrological impacts.

• co-develop forest-based climate mitigation scenarios
• analyse these scenarios regarding carbon sequestration potential, biosphere integrity, as well as the local and remote hydrological effects
• work with the vegetation model LPJmL and the Earth System Model POEM
• contribute to work on the planetary boundary for land-system change

• a master's degree in Earth sciences, Ecology, Data science, Physics or related fields relevant for Earth-system science
• experience in data analysis using R or Python
• good skills in scientific writing
• practical experience with modelling on compute clusters is an asset

• the ability to work independently and on your own initiative
• structured and goal-oriented thinking
• capacity to familiarise yourself quickly with new topics
• creativity and openness to new approaches
• a high level of competence in oral and written English
• reliability, engagement, and a high level of motivation
• capacity for teamwork

• the chance to be part of an international research team, including potential business trips to Stockholm
• a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin
• flexi-time and mobile working (up to 50% of your hours)
• a collective pay scheme and associated benefits, as well as a subsidized travel card or Deutschland-Ticket Job.

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