Postdoc in isotope-enabled climate and ecohydrology modelling (f/m/x)

The research group “Landscape Ecohydrology” led by Prof Doerthe Tetzlaff in the Department of Ecohydrology & Biogeochemistry of IGB in Berlin (Friedrichshagen) is inviting applications for a Postdoc position (100%, for 2 years) starting from 01.11.2024. The position is part of the “DFG” funded project “ECCO: ECohydrological feedbacks of tropical soil-plant-atmosphere Connectivity”.

The project is a close collaboration with the Department of Geography at the University of Costa Rica led by Prof Christian Birkel and the Northern Rivers Institute, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, led by Prof Chris Soulsby. Both will be closely involved and advise during the project.

ECCO aims to achieve a novel integrated, cross-scale understanding of the partitioning of incoming precipitation in tropical systems affected by land cover change. The successful candidate will investigate temporal dynamics and spatial variability in ecosystem evapotranspiration, soil evaporation, plant transpiration and humidity recycling, soil water distribution, catchment storage and water ages in a large tropical catchment. For the purpose of upscaling point measurements to larger spatial scales, we will couple an isotope-enabled climate model directly to a process-based ecohydrological model testing soil-plant-atmosphere feedbacks.

The Postdoc will be based at IGB Berlin, but our international research team offers the opportunity for scientific exchange, travel and research stays with the partners at the University of Costa Rica, the University of Tokyo and the University of Aberdeen.

We seek a dynamic, motivated and ambitious young scientist to join an existing interdisciplinary, international science team on Landscape Ecohydrology to couple, apply and further develop an isotope-enabled climate and ecohydrology model system in tropical landscapes. It is expected that the modelling will utilise existing data sets from research sites in Costa Rica, Central America.

The successful candidate will have experience in the application of numerical models, bias-correction of large-scale climate data, programming ideally in C and Python and should also be willing to conduct own field work, for example for model calibration and validation. Expertise in using water isotopes would be advantageous. Access to high-performance computer clusters is available to facilitate the use of “state of the art” research models.

Your tasks

• Processing of existing spatio-temporal data such as hydrometeorological time series, remotely sensed land cover data
• Programming the coupling of a climate model with an ecohydrological model
• Large-scale data analysis and interpretation
• Bias-correction and downscaling of large-scale climate data
• Conducting field experiments of ecohydrological investigations for model calibration and validation
• Preparation of three manuscripts as first author for submission to high impact journals
• Further result dissemination through presentations at national and international conferences

Your profile

• Excellent PhD degree in hydrology, environmental sciences or environmental engineering, geoecology, geochemistry, geography or a related field
• Strong programming (C, Python) and numerical skills
• Experience in the application of numerical models (climate, hydrology)
• Experience with isotope tracers
• Strong English language skills both in oral and written communication
• Ability to work in a team environment

Other advantageous attributes might include:

• Experience of working in interdisciplinary research projects
• Good German and Spanish is advantageous but not mandatory

Our offer

Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund). Depending on the personal qualifications and the tasks assigned, the position will be paid up to E13. It is a full-time position with 39 working hours per week. The position is principally also suited for part-time work.

We foster your [career development](https://www.igb-berlin.de/karriere) by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of [work and family life](https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/equal-opportunities).

The IGB is committed to [diversity](https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/equal-opportunities). We welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applications from women are particularly welcome. [Disabled applicants](https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/colleagues-with-disabilities) with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application incl. a cover letter, a CV, at least 2 reference letters or contact details for 2 referees by 15.07.2024. Please state the job reference number 21/2024 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at [www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs](http://www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs).

Questions can be directed to Professor Dörthe Tetzlaff or Christian Birkel by e-mail apply.job.21518118@hokifyjob.comapply.job.21518118@hokifyjob.comapply.job.21518118@hokifyjob.com It is recommended to check out the group’s webpage: https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/tetzlaff

“Research for the future of our freshwaters” is the mission of the [Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries](https://www.igb-berlin.de/) (IGB). The IGB is Germany’s largest and one of the leading international research centres for freshwaters. We seek to understand the fundamental processes governing freshwaters and their communities. Our research findings help to tackle global environmental changes and to develop measures for sustainable water management. The IGB is a diverse and inspiring place to work and conduct research. We promote individual development at every career level and stand for lively exchange and cooperation. IGB closely collaborates with numerous national and international universities and other partners in science and society and is a member of the [Leibniz Association](http://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/), which connects 96 independent public research institutes in Germany. [www.igb-berlin.de](http://www.igb-berlin.de/)