Ecohydrologe*in in tracer-aided, ecohydrological modeling...

Ecohydrologist in tracer-aided, ecohydrological modeling (m/f/d)

Full or Part Time
Berlin
With Professional Experience
12/12/24

The research group “Landscape Ecohydrology”, led by Professor Dörthe Tetzlaff, in the Department of Ecohydrology & Biogeochemistry of IGB (Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries) in Berlin is inviting applications for the position of a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (24 months, with the possibility of extension, fulltime with less % possible) starting from 01.04.2025. The project is part of a major project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) “WETSCAPES2.0: Sinks, links and legacies of novel ecosystems in rewetted fen landscapes”. WETSCAPES2.0 combines expertise from University of Greifswald, University of Rostock, the IGB Berlin, GFZ Potsdam, LUM München, the MPI for Biogeochemistry Jena and the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Focus of WETSCAPES2.0 is the functional understanding of rewetted fens, including coastal peatlands. The rewetting of previously drained and often agriculturally used fens results in the development of novel ecosystems that differ from natural peatlands and are largely unexplored. The planned monitoring, experimental and modeling research emphasizes biogeochemical, hydrological and biological processes, focusing on water and matter fluxes within and beyond the peat body and their associated microbiological and biological drivers. In addition to site-level studies, the role of rewetted fens in the broader landscape is investigated. For more details about the overarching research questions, specific topics, training program and contact persons please visit http://www.uni-greifswald.de/wetscapes2.

This project aims to advance and test the capacity of process-based, tracer-aided, ecohydrological modeling frameworks and investigate the hydrological functioning of rewetted fens from the plot scale up to the landscape scale in terms of spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of water storage, pathways and release. For this, we will integrate tracer approaches of stable water isotopes (deuterium, oxygen) and water chemistry linked within advanced tracer-aided models. We seek a dynamic, motivated and ambitious young scientist to join an existing interdisciplinary science and modelling team on Landscape Ecohydrology to support the evolution and growth of tracer-aided ecohydrological modelling in peatlands. It is expected that the modelling will utilise existing data sets from instrumented peatland research sites in Mecklenburg- Vorpommern and Brandenburg, Germany. The successful candidate will have experience in the development and application of numerical models for different purposes, across various scales and environmental science contexts. The successful candidate should be experienced in combining process-based (hydrological) understanding with strong numerical / computational skills. Experience with programming is essential. Expertise in remote sensing & data assimilation and / or incorporation of tracers into hydrological models would be advantageous. Access to high-performance computer clusters is available to facilitate use and development of “state of the art” research models.

Your role

Integrated analysis of stable water isotopes and other tracers (water chemistry)
Applying a tracer-aided modelling framework to assess and quantify dynamics in water storage and different ecohydrological fluxes
Assessing the effects of land use and climatic variability on the ecohydrology of peatland landscapes

Your profile

PhD or equivalent (or being close to receiving a PhD) in hydrology, geoecology or a related field of environmental science or environmental engineering
Excellent programming and numerical skills
Experience in the development and application of numerical models at various scales and different environmental science contexts
Strong publication record in internationally leading journals (commensurate with career stage)
Strong English language skills both in oral and written communication
Ability to work in a team environment

Other advantageous attributes include:

Experience on research in wetlands or fens
Experience in multi-criteria calibration and working within uncertainty frameworks
Experience in incorporating tracers into hydrological models
Experience with stable isotope tracer
Experience working with water chemistry parameters
Experience of working in interdisciplinary research projects
Evidence of successful research collaboration with national and international researchers and stakeholders

Our offer

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation. We allow maximum individual freedom, enabling everyone to develop and use their creativity to the best of their abilities.

Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund, E13). It is a full-time position with 39 working hours per week (less % possible). The position is available from 01.04.2025 for 24 months based in Germany, with the possibility of extension based at SLU Umea, Sweden.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life.

The IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applications from women are particularly welcome. Disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application with the usual documents (cover letter, CV, at least 2 reference letters or contact details for 2 referees) by 17.01.2025**.** Please state the job reference number 48/2024 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed to Professor Dörthe Tetzlaff by e-mail (do*****.********ff@ig*-******in.de).

"Research for the future of our freshwaters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unit a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 350 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. www.igb-berlin.de

Ecohydrologe*in in tracer-aided, ecohydrological modeling (m/f/d)