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 "The development of a Methane Module for the Marine Environment of the German Bight" (m/f/d) Background
The Shelf Sea System Ecology and Coastal Ecology sections at the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) invite applications for a position focused on developing a methane module for the marine environment of the German Bight. Candidates should possess strong skills in ocean modeling, data analysis, and high-level programming.

This work is part of the research project “Effect of Anthropogenic Modifications and Climate Change on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Along the River-Ocean Continuum” (AGRIO). The project investigates the transformation of organic matter into the greenhouse gases (GHG) carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. Field observations and numerical models of the Elbe–North Sea system will be used to understand the GHG dynamics in the area.

For our interdisciplinary and inter-institutional AGRIO team at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Helmholtz Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI), and Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, we are seeking candidates for the following positions:
1 PhD (UFZ, 36 months, 65%) in aquatic biogeochemistry
1 PostDoc (Hereon, 36 months, 100%) in greenhouse gas observation
1 PostDoc (Hereon, 36 months, 100%) in biogeochemical modeling
1 PostDoc (AWI, 24 months, 100%) in hydrodynamic-methane modeling (this position)
Your Tasks

• Analysis of Existing GHG Data: Collect and analyze existing data related to GHG dynamics and pathways in the German Bight, identifying key patterns and gaps.
• Hydrodynamic Simulations: Run and validate hydrodynamic simulations for the German Bight using the FESOM-C model, ensuring accurate representation of physical processes.
• Development of Methane Module: Elaborate and verify a methane module specifically for the German Bight, integrating it with the FESOM-C model to simulate methane dynamics accurately.
• Impact Assessment: Assess the impact of anthropogenic activities and climate change on GHG fate in the German Bight, using the validated model.
• Strategy Development: Develop strategies for mitigating GHG emissions based on model simulations and data analysis, aiming to balance ecological conservation with human development.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams within the AGRIO project to ensure comprehensive analysis and application of research findings. You will support coupling of this system to AGRIO partner models at Hereon and UFZ.
• Documentation and Reporting: Document all processes, methodologies, and findings, preparing detailed reports and publications to disseminate results to the scientific community.

Your Profile

• PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Oceanography, Physics or related fields
• Strong background in coastal ocean modelling and data analysis
• Open to interact with ecologists and field researchers measuring the GHGs
• Good English knowledge (B2)
• Strong motivation

Preferred Qualifications and skills

• Deep knowledge in numerical instruments applied in coastal ocean models and high-level programming skills

Further Information
For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr Vera Sidorenko (Vera.Sidorenko@awi.de
+49(471)4831-1722) or Dr Ingeborg Bussmann (Ingeborg.Bussmann@awi.de; +49(4725)819-3230).

This is a full-time position, limited to 2 years. It is also suitable for part-time employment. 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. The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

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
• health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
• support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
• occupational pension provision (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

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.
We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application by January 9th 2024, exclusively online.
Reference number: 24/210/G/Bio-b