Junior research position or post-doctoral 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 European Union HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based agreement project PREVENT - Im-proved Predictability Of Extremes Over The Mediterranean From Seasonal To Decadal Timescales - PIK is offering a

Junior research position or post-doctoral position (m/f/d)

(Position number: 19-2025 Postdoc PREVENT)

in the field of Weather Extremes and Climate Modelling, starting on 01.09.2025.

The position is funded for 12 months. 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.

PIK is seeking a qualified junior researcher or postdoctoral scientist responsible for the estimation of future fire risk with the use of the updated SPITFIRE model, based on future projections of temperature, surface winds and precipitation obtained from CMIP6 models for certain fire-prone Mediterranean regions. The successful candidate will (1) analyse the atmospheric conditions leading to increased fire weather index and burned area in ERA5 reanalysis over the Mediterranean, (2) these conditions will be tested in CMIP6 models, to (i) check whether the models can reproduce such conditions and (ii) assess future changes in these patterns under different global warming scenarios.

• The successful applicant should hold a MSc or PhD degree in physics, mathematics/statistics, climate science or a related discipline
• A solid background in climate and atmospheric sciences, and extreme weather ideally supported by knowledge of machine learning and time series analysis is of advantage, as is coding experience with e.g. Python/Matlab/R
• Practical experience with High Performance Computing, and scientific programming and a willingness to learn to work with high-performing computing systems
• Expertise with scientific data analysis

We expect:

• the ability to work independently and on your own initiative
• a methodical and systematic approach
• 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 a creative, interdisciplinary team
• a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognized research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin
• flexitime and mobile working (up to 40% of your hours)
• a collective pay scheme and associated benefits as well as a subsidized travel card

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