The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena is dedicated to interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of Earth system sciences with a focus on climate and ecosystems. The internationally renowned institute, which currently employs around 250 people, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions and a modern university, but it also has a beautiful natural setting in the green Saale valley with steep limestone slopes. The city of Jena has an active student scene and a diverse cultural life. The Department of Biogeochemical Signals is looking for a
PostDoc in Global Terrestrial Biogeochemical Modelling (m/f/d)
Full-time, initially limited to 3 years, with the possibility of extension)
Background and position description:
The aim of the Biogeochemical Signals Department (BSI) is to integrate observations and models to better understand present and future interactions among terrestrial biosphere, anthropogenic perturbations, such as land-use, and climate. Amongst others, the department recently integrated the terrestrial biosphere model QUINCY (Thum et al. 2019) into the Earth System Model ICON, and is currently using QUINCY for various ensemble-based projects including offline (i.e. reanalysis-driven simulations such TRENDY, NMIP) as well as coupled (AR7 FastTrack of CMIP7) to understand current trends in the terrestrial greenhouse gas balance as well as future feedbacks between the land biosphere and climate.
The successful candidate will join the Terrestrial Biosphere Modelling group that develops, evaluates and applies the QUINCY model in a range of science initiatives. Areas of analysis for this PostDoc position may focus on using observational constraints (e.g. atmospheric or isotopic observations) to improve model predictions; enhancing model capabilities (e.g. nitrogen-constrained methane production); assessing the importance of the anthropogenic perturbation of the nutrient cycles through land management for current global biospheric trends; and/or analysing offline (i.e. re-analysis-driven) simulations in the context of NMIP, TRENDY or other model intercomparison projects such as WIEMIP.
We are looking for a creative and innovative applicant, who will contribute own ideas and skills to improve theoretical understanding and model representation of terrestrial nutrient limitation at large scales through a combination of observational data synthesis and modelling studies. The exact focus of will depend on the expertise and interests of the successful candidate.
Your tasks:
- Conduct research in, and development of predictive biosphere modelling using the QUINCY model
- Contribute to BSI’s Terrestrial Biosphere Modelling group by designing and implementing novel model components, analysing simulations and/or developing model evaluation strategies
- Document research by publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences
- Develop independent research ideas and interact with researchers within the department as well as the German and European land-surface modelling community through ongoing national and European projects
Your profile:
- Successfully completed scientific university studies and PhD-thesis in environmental science or environmental engineering, climate or Earth system science, environmental physics, or comparable fields
- Background in terrestrial biogeochemical cycles, terrestrial ecology, land-atmosphere interactions and numerical modelling
- Experience in the development and application of (preferably global) process-based ecosystem models and high-performance computing systems is highly desired
- Experience in at least one higher programming languages (e.g. FORTRAN, C++), and data processing and visualisation language (e.g. Python, R) is required
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team
- Demonstrated record of publishing scientific results
- Very good written and spoken English
Our offer:
The position is associated with the Terrestrial Biosphere Modelling group and includes access to the career training opportunities of the Max Planck Society and personal career mentoring. The full-time position as PostDoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) is to be filled as soon as possible. Part-time work is generally possible. The position will be evaluated and graded following the collective agreement according to TVöD Bund; in addition, we will provide a pension plan based on the public service (VBL).
The Max Planck Society (MPS) strives for gender equality and diversity. The MPS aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all fields. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.
Your application:
Dr. Sönke Zaehle (szaehle@bgc-jena.mpg.de) will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Are you interested? Please send us your application with cover letter, curriculum vitae as well a s names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by August 15, 2026, quoting the reference number 06/2026 by e-mail to bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de or to the
Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
Personalbüro: Kennwort “PostDoc”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena
We ask that you do not use application folders, but only submit copies, as your documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the application process has been completed. We look forward to receiving your application!