(W-0067) Postdoctoral | Research Scientist Position on Convective Storm Dynamics
THE POSITION
We invite applications for
Postdoctoral | Research Scientist Position on Convective Storm Dynamics (W-0067 | all genders)
to support the scientific team of the WIVERN satellite mission. WIVERN, the Wind Velocity Radar Nephoscope was chosen by the European Space Agency ESA as the next Earth Explorer Mission (EE 11) with planned launch in the early 2030s. WIVERN will deliver profiles of wind within clouds. This will, for the first time, provide insight into the dynamics of the wide variety of storms occurring on Earth.
YOUR TASK
- Provide synthetic data by running km-scale simulations with the ICON model for testing the satellite retrievals developed for WIVERN
- Develop a mesoscale vertical wind velocity product based on this synthetic data and quantify the errors arising from WIVERN sampling strategy
- Investigate the importance of mesoscale vertical wind velocity for storm development
YOUR PROFILE
- PhD degree in meteorology, climatology or atmospheric physics
- Previous proven record of research on convection or cloud dynamics
- Experience both with analysing and conducting ICON storm-resolving simulations as well as with analysing observations
- 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, also with people from different institutes
OUR OFFER
- Participation in a challenging part of science in an international, intellectually stimulating environment
- Involvement in the development of a satellite mission and collaboration with mission partners, especially in Italy and France
- Possibility for flexible time-management and measures to support work-life balance
- Attractive benefits incl. subsidy for public transport across Germany (Deutschlandticket)
EMPLOYMENT CONDITION
- The position shall start as soon as possible and is available for 18 months
- Subject to continuous funding from ESA in the successive preparatory phases of the mission, the position may be extended
- 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 September 6th, 2026 (23:59 CEST)
The application documents should include:
- a motivation letter
- complete curriculum vitae that includes a list of publications
- 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.
CONTACT
For further information, please contact Dr. Cathy Hohenegger
Please do not forward your application to this email address. The application documents (PDF only) need to be submitted through this online application system.
