About us:

The Chair for Physical Geography and Land Use Systems (Prof. Julia Pongratz) at LMU’s Department of Geography investigates the interactions between humans, ecosystems and climate. Our group develops and applies the latest generation of carbon cycle and climate models and integrates them with Earth observations. Our group leads, pending final project confirmation, the synthesis, transfer and coordination of CDRterra Phase 2, the funding line on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) by the German research ministry (BMFTR). To limit global warming in line with the Paris Agreement's goals, greenhouse gas neutrality needs to be reached within the next few decades. This will require CDR in addition to emissions reductions. Projects in CDRterra aim to enhance the research capacities in Germany for CDR, strengthen the links between research and other stakeholders, and provide an adequate science basis for political decision-making in research- and climate-policy.

We are looking for you:

Postdoctoral researcher modeling and assessing terrestrial Carbon Dioxide Removal approaches (m/f/x)

in Munich

Your tasks and responsibilities:

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct innovative research on land-based CDR such as afforestation, forestry and bioenergy. The postdoc will assess these along with ocean-based methods regarding their potentials to take up CO2 and side-effects on climate and ecosystem functioning. Of particular interest are climate dynamics in overshoot scenarios and Earth system feedbacks that may affect CDR efficiency.

Tasks comprise

• developing the ICON/MPI Earth System Model (ESM) and its land surface component JSBACH to capture the complex effects and feedbacks of CDR on the Earth system
• setting up, running and analyzing ESM simulations for various CDR portfolios
• contributing to an interdisciplinary effort to assess CDR methods
• leading the analysis and writing of publications
• engage in shared responsibilities at the Chair and actively contribute to strengthening the intellectual atmosphere of the Department.

Your qualifications:

• You hold a Ph.D., or will soon finish your Ph.D., in a natural science subject (geography, environmental science, physics or similar)
• a track record of effectively communicating research results (commensurate with career stage)
• good programming skills (such as Python)
• very good communication skills in English (our working language)
• Training or experience in Earth system modeling is highly desirable, but not essential

Benefits:

• the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, internationally connected team working at the forefront of Earth system science
• E13 TV-L position, commensurate with work experience, for 3 years starting September or soon thereafter
• career development through the LMU qualification program. To support career development, some teaching at the Department of Geography can be arranged.
• a stimulating working environment at one of Germany’s top-ranked universities. Our institute is located in the heart of the vibrant and diverse city of Munich with excellent public transportation links.
• organizational assistance from the LMU Gateway service for relocation to Munich.

Also possible in a part-time capacity.

Contact:

Please send an application outlining your fit for the position (including a cover letter sketching out your ideas in at least one of the topics mentioned above, a CV, copies of scientific degrees, and the names and contact information of two references) by e-mail (one PDF-attachment with max. 5 MB including all documents) with subject "CDR-2025LMU" to climate.jobs@geographie.uni-muenchen.de. Applications received prior to June 23, 2025, will receive full consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Julia Pongratz (julia.pongratz@lmu.de).

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