PostDoc in numerical ocean modelling (f/m/d)

PostDoc in numerical ocean modelling (f/m/d) Background This project is a collaboration between the Alfred Wegener Institut for Polar and Marine Sciences, the Institute of Oceanography (IfM) at the University Hamburg, and the University Bremen. Details about the TRR 181 are available at The potential energy contained in gravity currents drives intense localised mixing, entrainment, and the circulation in the deep ocean. Gravity currents downstream of the Denmark Strait and in the Weddell Sea Bottom Water (WSBW) are key examples for the energy transfers between mean flow, mesoscale eddies, tides, tidally generated internal gravity waves (IGWs) and shear instabilities. Numerical modelling efforts suffer from numerical mixing so strong that it may mask physical processes. Building on the experience of the TRR 181 we will diagnose and quantify the numerical mixing and its impact on the established energy transfers and the energy cycle in available high-resolution regional and global simulations. The project builds on work carried out during the previous phases of the TRR181 (). You will be part of a project team at AWI in Bremerhaven. Your Tasks Based on the hypothesis that numerical mixing will be especially large in dense overflow systems compared to the large scale and global circulation, you will use high-resolution regional and global ocean general circulation model solutions (MITgcm, FESOM) to diagnose, quantify, and study the effect of numerical mixing parameterisations and resolution on energy transfers in dense overflow systems. You will determine the minimum resolution identified in coarse-graining studies, and combine this with the results of parameterisation sensitivity tests of the previous two phases and the new analysis of the FESOM simulations to arrive at a comprehensive picture of the energetics of dense gravity currents and how numerical mixing affects their representation in global climate models. Ideally, the project will put you in the position to suggest solutions that mitigate the diffusive effects of numerical mixing in dense overflows. Details of the work tasks depend on your scientific interests. There is ample opportunity for international collaborations. We are searching for an enthusiastic and committed researcher with a keen interest in ocean dynamics and numerical techniques. You will work at the AWI in Bremerhaven under the supervision of Dr. Martin Losch (AWI). In addition to the TRR specific Research Training Group "Energy", the AWI offers a career development centre (PROCEED) and a vibrant research community. Your Profile Completed PhD in physical oceanography, meteorology, physics, applied mathematics or related relevant fields, Advanced computer literacy, programming skills, scientific computation (you will work with complex FORTRAN and PYTHON codes in a UNIX / LINUX environment) Experience with numerical modelling and large data sets is of essential importance Genuine interest in independent research in the fields of oceanography and numerical modelling, data analysis, presentation and publication of scientific results Excellent English skills Enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary team Further Information For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr. Martin Losch (; (0)-1872). This is a full-time position, limited to 2 years. It is also suitable for part-time employment. The earliest starting date is 15th March, 2025. 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. All postdocs will register with AWI's postdoc office PROCEED and thus gain access to a set of tailor-made career development tools. 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 and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular working hours 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, physical abilities, 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 has received several awards as a result of this commitment. 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. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application by December 5th 2024, exclusively online. Your application should include a letter of motivation, a CV including copies of certificates, a publication list if applicable, and contact information of two referees/letters of recommendation. Reference number: 24/189/G/Kli-b