Job Description

THE POSITION



The MPI-M invites applications for a 2-year position as a



Postdoctoral | Research Scientist (W-0053 | all genders)



within the CLICCS project to investigate the impact of finer topography on global cloud distribution in km-scale climate simulations.



The project aims to advance our fundamental understanding of the large-scale environment governing global cloud distribution, with particular emphasis on subtropical stratocumulus clouds. This will be achieved through idealized experiments using the ICON Earth System Model with smoothed topography, compared against the default configuration that includes fine-scale topographic detail at 10-km (or finer) resolution. Depending on the start date of the successful candidate, the smoothed-topography simulation may already be available. To further isolate the role of dynamic ocean coupling, a series of complementary idealized experiments with a slab-ocean model will also be performed. The study will examine how large-scale circulation patterns are shaped by topography and develop a process-level understanding of the environmental factors controlling cloud distribution.



The successful candidate will join the Climate Dynamics Department and work in close collaboration with the Climate Physics Department.



YOUR PROFILE



PhD degree in meteorology, oceanography, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field Experience with km-scale model simulations is an advantage Excellent programming skills in Python (or related languages) Proven record of high-quality research, demonstrated through publications, presentations, and references Strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively

OUR OFFER



Participation in a challenging part of science in an international, intellectually stimulating environment Access to complex workflows on the bleeding edge of what is technologically possible, as well as working for and with an open-source community A network of very experienced and innovative colleagues within the institute, and at partner institutions with a long-proven tradition of sharing knowledge and information Possibility for flexible time-management and measures to support work-life balance Attractive benefits incl. subsidy for public transport across Germany (Deutschlandticket)

EMPLOYEEMENT CONDITIONS



The potential start date is as early as January 1st, 2026. Payment will be in accordance with German public service positions depending on qualification (E14 TVöD), including extensive social security plans. The conditions of employment, including upgrades and duration, follow the rules of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science and those of the German civil service The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals

INTERESTED?



We are looking forward to receiving your online application by November 9th, 2025 (23:59 CET).

The application documents should include:

1. a complete curriculum vitae that includes a list of publications

2. 1-page (excluding references) research statement summarising past research activities

3. contact information of three references



ABOUT US



The Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) is a multidisciplinary center for climate and Earth system research located in Hamburg, Germany. It is one of the premier climate science research institutes in the world. Located in the heart of one of Europe’s most livable and vibrant cities, it provides a highly international and interdisciplinary environment to conduct scientific research as well as access to state-of-the-art scientific facilities. You can also have a



virtual tour to our campus



. The Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS) investigates climate dynamics and climate-related social dynamics, as well as the interactions between the two. To this end, we are looking for colleagues from a wide range of disciplines, including the natural sciences as well as the social sciences. We are proud to work together in a truly integrating manner. Our partners, e.g. the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Helmholtz Centre Hereon or the German Climate Computing Centre are also hiring. Visit



CLICCS



for more job openings.



CONTACT



For further information, please contact



Prof. Dr. Sarah Kang



. Please do not forward your application to this email address. The application documents (PDF only) need to be submitted through this online application system.

Deadline:

November 09, 2025



Max-Planck-Institut für Meteorologie

Bundesstraße 53

20146 Hamburg

Deutschland



mpimet.mpg.de

Mastodon:

@MPI_Meteo@wisskomm.social