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Postdoctoral Researcher Position: Modelling the biological pump

University of Bern - The Division of Climate and Environmental Physics at the Physics Institute

Position open until filled, with first round of applicants to be reviewed in July 2025

The Division of Climate- and Environmental Physics at the Physics Institute, University of Bern, invites applications for two Postdoctoral Researcher positions to investigate zooplankton dynamics and marine particle fluxes under past, present and future conditions in marine biogeochemistry models.

Project Overview:

This research aims to advance our understanding of how global warming will affect the biological pump, a critical component of the ocean’s carbon cycle and climate regulation. The successful candidate will develop and apply state-of-the-art models to simulate the biological pump under past, present and future conditions, integrating observational data, in particular BGC-Argo observations, and laboratory results.

Your Profile:

  • A completed PhD in marine biogeochemistry, oceanography, climate science, environmental physics, or a related discipline.
  • Strong background in numerical modelling, preferably with experience in marine biogeochemical or physical oceanographic models.
  • Proven expertise in data analysis (e.g., Python or similar).
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop models to simulate the marine particle flux under past, present and future climate scenarios, and/or to simulate zooplankton seasonal migration.
  • Analyse model output and compare results with observational datasets, in particular BGC-Argo data.
  • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
  • Contribute to the Division’s teaching and outreach activities.
  • Be a kind, supportive, and engaged member of our team—we value not only scientific excellence but also friendship, collaborations and mutual respect within our group.

We Offer:

  • A stimulating research environment within a leading climate and environmental physics division.
  • Collaboration opportunities with an international network of experts, including international research visits.
  • Competitive salary and benefits in line with the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation and the University of Bern (early or advanced postdoctoral researcher, depending on previous postdoc experience)
  • Duration: 2 years

Application:

Please submit a cover letter detailing your motivation and qualifications (2 pages max), a CV, a publication list, and contact details of at least two references via email to charlotte.laufkoetter@unibe.ch. The first round of applications will be reviewed in July. The position will remain open until filled. The earliest possible start date is October 2025.

For further information, please contact: Prof. Charlotte Laufkötter, charlotte.laufkoetter@unibe.ch