We're looking for two creative and self-motivated postdocs (100%, pay grade 13 TV-L) to join the research team of Prof. Buermann at Augsburg University. Buermann’s research team carries out a broad spectrum of fundamental and applied research on the human impact on climate. It investigates climate variability and land surface-atmosphere interactions from regional to global scales, emerging ecosystem responses under climate change and also conducts biogeochemical (carbon cycle) studies (see Buermann’s webpage). 

Position 1:

This postdoc may work on any topic in climate science including but are not limited to

• Climate impact studies (e.g., Extreme events, interactions of climate change and other environmental changes)
• Ecosystem-climate interaction studies (e.g. climate impacts on carbon cycle)
• Changes in large-scale circulation dynamics and links to regional climate change  

The scientist will become members of a dynamic team of researchers with ample opportunity for designing their own projects and for networking. The team is strongly involved in international projects and offers in-house expertise on local and large-scale climate change studies with both observational (e.g. satellite Earth observations) and modelling perspectives. Wide opportunities for collaboration exist with research institutions in close proximity in the greater Munich area. 

The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of those areas and should have strong quantitative skills.

Required qualifications:

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD degree program (or equivalent international degree) at the time of application in any field of geo-, earth system or climate sciences

Preferred qualifications: 

• Proficient coding skills in at least one of: R, Matlab, Python, Fortran, IDL
• Good knowledge of specific topics in climate science
• Both numerical and communication skills
• Evidence of ability to publish results in relevant journals 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team

The position is offered for three years with the possibility to extend to a maximum of six years and acquire a “Habilitation”. The position includes teaching of 5 hours per week in the study programs of the Institute for Geography.

Position 2:

This postdoc will work on a DFG-funded project, which is focused on identifying mechanisms responsible for the enhanced seasonal exchange of atmospheric CO2 in the northern high latitudes. The position is offered for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. A key focus of this project will be examining climate and land cover dynamics in the northern latitudes and how these link to changes in the CO2 amplitude at northern monitoring stations. The project will combine high-resolution satellite data (MODIS, Landsat) with modelling tools such as biosphere models and atmospheric transport. The postdoc will also collaborate with the international research teams of Jun.-Prof. Forkel (TU Dresden), Dr. Thonicke (PIK Potsdam), Dr. Rödenbeck (MPI Jena), Prof. Friedl (Boston University) and Dr. Keeling (Scripps San Diego). The position is offered for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.
Specific duties of the position include:

• Analysis and evaluation of high-res. satellite data and creation of land cover data
• Synthesis of observational and model-based analysis
• Advancing understanding of carbon cycle science in the North
• Presentation of results at scientific meetings
• Publishing of results in scientific journals
• Possible mentoring graduate and undergraduate students

Required qualifications:

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD degree program (or equivalent international degree) at the time of application in any field of geo-, earth system or climate sciences

Preferred qualifications: 

• Proficient coding skills in at least one of: R, Matlab, Python, Fortran, IDL
• Avanced knowledge of climate, plant ecology and/or the carbon cycle
• Both numerical and communication skills
• Evidence of ability to publish results in relevant journals 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team

For questions about these two positions please contact Prof. Buermann ( wolfgang.buermann@uni-a.de). Augsburg University promotes the professional equality of women. Female candidates are explicitly invited to submit their application. Augsburg University stands up for compatibility of family and professional life. For more information, please contact the woman’s representative office. Severely disabled applicants are given preferential consideration in the event of equal qualification. The starting date for both positions is anticipated for Spring 2023 (some flexibility).

Please indicate for which position you apply and submit your comprehensive application (personal research abstract, CV, study certificates, main publications, two reference contacts) as a single PDF-document by

February 15th, 2023

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Buermann

Universität Augsburg

Lehrstuhl für Physische Geographie mit Schwerpunkt Klimaforschung

Fakultät für Angewandte Informatik

Alter Postweg 118

86159 Augsburg

Email: wolfgang.buermann@uni-a.de