Area of research:
Scientific / postdoctoral posts
Job description:
PostDoc in "Mechanistic understanding of the biological carbon pump" (f/d/m)
Background
The biological carbon pump plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by transferring carbon from the surface ocean to the deep sea through the formation, sinking, and remineralization of organic particles. Despite its importance, our ability to quantify and model these processes remains limited, contributing to uncertainties in global carbon sink estimates.
You will analyze data and samples from past and upcoming expeditions to evaluate the vertical flux of organic matter in different oceanic regions. This will include the use of in situ camera systems, sediment traps, and bio-optical platforms to quantify particle abundance, size distribution, and settling velocities. Additionally, you will conduct targeted process studies using marine snow catchers to assess aggregate composition, carbon-specific respiration, and organic matter stoichiometry. The project aims to improve our understanding of how biological and physical processes regulate carbon export and attenuation. As part of larger EU projects, the position will provide insights into the role of human activities in modulating oceanic carbon sequestration and informing future climate mitigation strategies.
Your Tasks
- Analyze and interpret large datasets from in situ camera systems, sediment traps, and bio-optical platforms to quantify export and attenuation processes in the biological carbon pump
- Develop and apply mechanistic models to understand particle formation, sinking, and remineralization processes
- Parameterize key biological and biogeochemical mechanisms for implementation in large-scale ocean carbon cycle models
- Process and analyze gel trap samples to assess particle composition, size-specific settling velocities, and organic matter characteristics
- Integrate observational data with physical and biogeochemical models to improve predictions of carbon flux dynamics
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to link mechanistic insights with global carbon cycle assessments
Your Profile
- PhD in physics, oceanography, or a related field, with expertise in mechanistic modeling of biogeochemical processes
- Strong experience in working with large datasets and advanced programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R)
- Knowledge of biological and biogeochemical processes in the biological carbon pump
- Experience in analyzing sediment trap or gel trap samples
- Ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment
- Very good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1)
- Experience with model development and implementation in Earth system models is an advantage
Further Information
The AWI is characterized by
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 and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular 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.
This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.