Postdoc position: "Earth system model development"
80 - 100%
(3 years)
Climate and Environmental Physics is a division of the Physics Institute of the University of Bern, Switzerland. We are committed to understand the processes of the Earth system on time scales from seasons to million years.
In the framework of the ERC Starting Grant project BGCTip "Unraveling tipping dynamics of marine biogeochemistry from past climate transitions" the Division of Climate and Environmental Physics at the Physics Institute invites applications for a vacant postdoc position starting 1st May 2026.
Tasks
The BGCTip project aims to provide new mechanistic understanding of the interactions between tipping dynamics and marine biogeochemistry, utilizing Earth's past climatic events and novel interdisciplinary methods to better understand the complex relationship between climate and the carbon cycle, ultimately reducing uncertainties in future climate change scenarios.
The postdoc will work with and contribute to the development of an intermediate complexity Earth system model (Bern3D), focusing on the model development of novel isotope proxies (Si, Ni, Ba isotopes) that trace different aspects of marine biogeochemistry. The aim is to provide new constraints on the dynamics of marine biogeochemistry to abrupt changes and tipping points.
This project offers the opportunity to work with experts in past and future climate modeling and proxy reconstructions within the BGCTip project, the Climate and Environmental Physics Division, and the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (www.oeschger.unibe.ch), providing an inspiring environment for Early Career Scientists in this field. The successful candidate will actively contribute to the Global Biogeochemical Modeling Group, presenting results at international scientific conferences and publishing in the peer-reviewed literature.
The postdoc will work with and contribute to the development of an intermediate complexity Earth system model (Bern3D), focusing on the model development of novel isotope proxies (Si, Ni, Ba isotopes) that trace different aspects of marine biogeochemistry. The aim is to provide new constraints on the dynamics of marine biogeochemistry to abrupt changes and tipping points.
This project offers the opportunity to work with experts in past and future climate modeling and proxy reconstructions within the BGCTip project, the Climate and Environmental Physics Division, and the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (www.oeschger.unibe.ch), providing an inspiring environment for Early Career Scientists in this field. The successful candidate will actively contribute to the Global Biogeochemical Modeling Group, presenting results at international scientific conferences and publishing in the peer-reviewed literature.
Requirements
The successful candidate holds a PhD degree in Oceanography, Climate Science, Physics, or a related field, or will have completed the degree before the start of the project. The candidate should have a deep interest in climate modeling and possess advanced programming skills (e.g., in Python, Fortran, R, Julia) and data handling skills. Additionally, the candidate should have a passion for interdisciplinary and collaborative research and be proficient in both written and spoken English. Knowledge of paleoproxies would be considered an advantage.
We offer
The envisaged starting date is 1st May 2026 or upon agreement. Employment conditions and remuneration are in accordance with the standards of the University of Bern, Switzerland (~91'000 CHF/year). The appointment is for three years, with the potential for extension.
Application and contact
University of Bern, Physics Institute, Climate and Environmental Physics
Prof. Frerk Pöppelemier, Sidlerstrasse 5, CH-3012 Bern, phone: +41 31 684 44 63
frerk.poeppelmeier@unibe.ch, http://www.climate.unibe.ch
Prof. Frerk Pöppelemier, Sidlerstrasse 5, CH-3012 Bern, phone: +41 31 684 44 63
frerk.poeppelmeier@unibe.ch, http://www.climate.unibe.ch
All applications received before 9th February 2026 will be reviewed, and further applications will be considered until the position is filled. Please send your application documents in a single PDF-file including a motivation letter, CV, degree certificates, and contact information for two references by e-mail to Prof. Frerk Pöppelmeier (frerk.poeppelmeier@unibe.ch).
