Scientist with a focus on Biogeochemical modelling (m/f/d)

Background
The position is part of the CDRmare research mission within the sea4soCiety blue carbon consortium. The aim of this one year position is to expand the existing model UVic ESM to assess the potential of the free floating sargassum for Carbon Dioxide Removal. Using literature values and measured carbon and nutrient uptake and remineralization rates of Sargassum under different environmental conditions, you will modify the parameterization of an existing marine biogeochemical model that includes large-scale offshore macroalgae mariculture (Wu et al., 2023) and is embedded in an Earth system model of intermediate complexity, UVic (Mengis et al., 2020; Keller et al., 2012). You will conduct historical, present-day, and future climate change scenario simulations(high and low climate change), where Sargassum sinking is artificially enhanced before reaching the Caribbean coast, to estimate the carbon uptake of floating Sargassum. You will investigate the fate of sunken biomass by varying the rates at which it is remineralized, (i.e., a sensitivity analysis to evaluate uncertainties that result from limited information on Sargassum remineralization rates). Overall, these simulations will provide a first indication for the feasibility and effectiveness of enhanced sinking of Sargassum for marine CDR.

Tasks

  • Modify the parameterization of an existing marine biogeochemical model that includes large-scale offshore macroalgae mariculture (Wu et al., 2023)
  • Conduct historical, present-day, and future climate change scenario simulations(high and low climate change), where Sargassum sinking is artificially enhanced before reaching the Caribbean coast, to estimate the carbon uptake of floating Sargassum
  • Investigate the fate of sunken biomass by varying the rates at which it is remineralized (sensitivity analysis to evaluate uncertainties that result from limited information on Sargassum remineralization rates)
Requirements
  • MSc or PhD in biogeochemical modelling
  • Experience of more than 2 years working with biogeochemical earth system models such as UVic
  • Strong interest in understanding the carbon dioxide removal potential of macroalgae.
  • Expertise in coding
  • Knowledge of carbon and nutrient cycling in the ocean
  • Experience in data analysis and excellent computer skills
  • High interest in collaborative research, presentation and publication of scientific data
  • Very good English language skills written and spoken
  • Capacity for teamwork, international, inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration
Further Information
Please contact Dr. Mar Fernández-Méndez (mar.fernandez-mendez@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1895) for further information.

This is a full-time position, limited to 1 year. It is also suitable for part-time employment. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13. The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

The AWI is characterised 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 contacts with people from all over the world
  • flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular working hours
  • Health promotion and company fitness with qualitrain
  • support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
  • Occupational pension provision (VBL)
  • Jobticket
Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply.
Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement.

We look forward to your application!

Please submit your application by April 19th 2023, exclusively online.
Reference number: 23/65/D/Bio-b