PhD position in Earth system modeling of catastrophic events

Project description

The Ocean Modelling Group and the Atmospheric Dynamics Group within the Climate and Environmental Physics Division at the University of Bern invites applications for a PhD position in Earth system modeling with a focus on the climate and biogeochemical responses to large-scale catastrophic events. The PhD candidate will be an integral part of the newly established National Competence Centre in Research NCCR GENESIS (www.nccr-genesis.ch). NCCR Genesis is a research infrastructure project funded by SNSF focussing on exploring the emergence of life in the Universe. This interdisciplinary research infrastructure brings together physicists, earth and planetary scientists, chemists and biologists to understand the conditions and the mechanisms that enable life to emerge. Developing reliable methods to detect reliable traces of life (biosignatures) – whether through remote sensing or direct onsite measurements – requires significant innovation. These challenges demand close collaboration across physics, biology, chemistry and the earth sciences. NCCR Genesis does not aim to provide answers in all fields, but to drive innovative research and achieve decisive progress.

Thus, this project offers the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in planetary sciences within the NCCR GENESIS, as well as with leading climate scientists at the Climate and Environmental Physics Division and the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research of the University of Bern. The successful candidate will be part of the Ocean Modeling Group and Atmospheric Dynamics Group at the Climate and Environmental Physics Division of the University of Bern.

Tasks

The PhD candidate will explore how extreme perturbations to the Earth system, such as massive volcanic eruptions and meteorite impacts, shape the Earth climate and biosphere across different Earth system configurations representing distinct stages of the Earth's history. The project will involve designing and performing targeted set of climate simulations spanning different Earth system configurations, including variations in atmospheric composition, orbital forcing and continental configurations. The simulations will be conducted with the state-of-the-art Earth System Model GFDL ESM, simulating the coupled dynamics of the climate and carbon cycle. The successful candidate will present results at national and international scientific conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

We are seeking an outstanding candidate with a Master's degree in climate science, physics, oceanography, atmospheric dynamics, Earth sciences, or a related field. Experience in climate modeling, programming, and large dataset analysis is highly desirable. Knowledge of the climate system and global biogeochemical cycles is an asset. Excellent written and spoken English skills are required.

We deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to cultivate a respectful and fair work culture with equal access to professional development and support for all. We strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups.