Research Scientist in Polar Observation Systems, Thermometry, and Theoretical/Statistical Modelin...

Area of research

Scientific support staff

Job description

Research Scientist in Polar Observation Systems, Thermometry, and Theoretical/Statistical Modeling (x/f/m/d)

Background: As part of the joint Helmholtz Research Programme “Changing Earth – Sustaining our Future”, we advance the integration of instrumental and paleoclimate records to quantitatively constrain and improve predictions of future climate variability and change. You will contribute to the development and implementation of polar monitoring systems that link autonomous observations with paleoclimate records and help detect emerging changes in near real time. An important part of the position is the use and further development of theoretical and statistical methods (including inverse methods and uncertainty quantification) to relate these observations to the paleoclimate information.

Your Tasks

• Operate and further develop the thermometry laboratory (facility for high-precision temperature measurement and calibration), including the realization, calibration, and maintenance of reference thermometers (SPRTs) and fixed-point systems (e.g., the triple point of water, mercury, and other ITS‑90 standards) to ensure traceable and accurate temperature measurements
• Design, calibrate, and operate high‑precision instrumentation for polar observations, including ice‑borehole thermometry for recording temperature profiles in polar ice sheets, as well as melt and accumulation sensor networks; implement these systems in the laboratory and deploy and maintain them in polar field environments
• Further develop, analyze, and interpret ice‑core and related proxy data, acquire new paleoclimate records from polar regions, and integrate paleoclimate information with modern observations for climate reconstruction and interpretation
• Apply and further develop theoretical and statistical methods, including inverse methods and uncertainty quantification, to relate modern observations to paleoclimate information
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed scientific journals and contribute to international polar research collaborations
• Acquire competitive third‑party funding, with the long‑term goal of securing at least 50 % of a postdoctoral position

Your Profile

• PhD (or equivalent) in physics, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a related quantitative field
• Hands‑on experience with temperature measurement, calibration, or sensor development, ideally including fixed‑point and reference systems (e.g., SPRTs, the triple point of water)
• Experience applying, adapting, or working with theoretical/statistical methods relevant to geophysical time series (e.g., inverse approaches, spectral analysis); active interest in further developing such methods is welcome
• Proven experience in environmental or climate data analysis, including statistical and physical interpretation
• Experience in the analysis and interpretation of polar paleoclimate archives (ice cores, borehole thermometry)
• Strong programming and data analysis skills (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary and international teams
• Strong scientific communication, publication, and third‑party funding acquisition skills
• Ability and interest to take on supervision and coordination tasks (e.g., supervising students/assistants, lab workflows)
• Demonstrated experience in conducting fieldwork in polar regions
• Very good German and English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1)

Further Information

The AWI is characterized by:

• Our scientific success – excellent research
• Collaboration and cooperation – intra‑institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
• Opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
• An international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
• Flexible working hours
• 30 days of vacation (for full‑time employees) plus additional days off on December 24th and December 31st
• Health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
• Support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
• Occupational pension provision (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non‑binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work‑family compatibility in various ways. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.