PostDoc in Global Terrestrial Biogeochemical Modelling (m/f/d)

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 (https://www.bgc-jena.mpg.de/en/bsi/bsi-data/software/quincysoftware)

(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. reanalysis-

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. Parttime

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!