Postdoc Position in Land Surface Modelling at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany (2026)

Forschungszentrum Jülich is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Land Surface Modelling at the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3). This position focuses on climate change, hydrology, agriculture, ecosystem modelling, and environmental simulations across Europe.

The opportunity is highly suitable for researchers working in:

• earth system science,
• hydrology,
• climate modelling,
• environmental simulations,
• geosciences,
• agricultural modelling,
• and ecosystem analysis.

Position Overview

Feature	Details
Position	Postdoc – Land Surface Modelling
Institution	Forschungszentrum Jülich
Department	Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3)
Location	Jülich, Germany
Working Hours	39 hours/week
Salary Grade	EG 13 TVöD-Bund
Contract Duration	2 Years
Start Date	As soon as possible
Application Deadline	14 June 2026

About the Research Institute

The Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3) conducts advanced interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding terrestrial ecosystem processes and developing sustainable environmental solutions.

The institute combines:

• field observations,
• laboratory experiments,
• remote sensing,
• hydrological analysis,
• and computational modelling

to study interactions between:

• soil,
• water,
• atmosphere,
• vegetation,
• and climate systems.

Research activities span multiple scales:

• pore-scale processes,
• field-scale systems,
• continental-scale environmental modelling.

The institute’s work directly contributes to:

• sustainable agriculture,
• climate adaptation,
• ecosystem resilience,
• and natural resource management.

About the ACTUATE Project

The selected researcher will work within the ACTUATE Project (Helmholtz, SynCom). This project investigates how:

• future climate extremes,
• land-use changes,
• and adaptation strategies

will affect:

• European water resources,
• agricultural productivity,
• forest ecosystems,
• and terrestrial ecosystem services.

The project uses advanced storyline simulations of future extreme weather scenarios generated by collaborating research teams.

Main Research Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to multiple modelling and data analysis activities.

1. Land Surface Model Simulations

The researcher will:

• perform large-scale land surface simulations across Europe,
• model future environmental conditions,
• and investigate climate adaptation strategies.

2. Analysis of Large Environmental Datasets

The project includes analysis of:

• soil moisture,
• groundwater dynamics,
• river discharge,
• crop yields,
• and forest biomass.

The researcher will work with high-volume environmental simulation datasets.

3. Adaptation Scenario Development

The position involves designing and testing:

• water management strategies,
• agricultural adaptation measures,
• and forest management scenarios

under future climate conditions.

4. Scientific Communication

The researcher will:

• publish scientific papers,
• present findings at international conferences,
• contribute to project reports,
• and participate in outreach and science communication activities.

Participation in project meetings across Germany and online collaborations is also expected.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A Master’s degree in natural sciences or engineering
• A PhD with strong expertise in earth system science, environmental modelling, hydrology, atmospheric science, or related disciplines.

Required Technical Skills

Candidates should demonstrate Programming Skills. Experience in at least one of the following:

• Python
• Fortran
• C++
• R

Modelling Expertise

Strong background in:

• land surface models,
• atmospheric models,
• hydrological models,
• or environmental simulations.

Data Analysis Skills

Experience handling:

• large environmental datasets,
• simulation outputs,
• and computational modelling workflows.

Additional Desired Skills

The institute values candidates who:

• work independently,
• collaborate effectively in international teams,
• have strong organizational abilities,
• and are motivated toward long-term academic development.

Experience in:

• grant proposal writing,
• MSc/PhD supervision,
• and interdisciplinary collaboration

is considered beneficial.

Knowledge of German is helpful but not mandatory.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level English proficiency supported by:

• TOEFL,
• equivalent certification,
• or exemption documentation.

Salary and Benefits

The position is classified under EG 13 TVöD-Bund which is one of Germany’s standard public research salary scales for postdoctoral researchers.

Additional benefits include:

• year-end bonus,
• pension contributions,
• health and wellness programs,
• professional development support,
• flexible work arrangements,
• and career development assistance.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Environment

Forschungszentrum Jülich offers:

• flexible working models,
• family-friendly policies,
• hybrid work options,
• and extensive employee wellness programs.

Employees have access to:

• sports facilities,
• yoga classes,
• running groups,
• counseling services,
• and a research campus surrounded by natural landscapes.

The institute also supports international researchers through International Advisory Services to assist with relocation and integration.

Why This Opportunity Is Valuable

Climate extremes, droughts, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation are among the most critical global environmental challenges.

This position provides:

• advanced computational modelling experience,
• interdisciplinary environmental research exposure,
• and participation in large European climate projects.

Researchers interested in:

• climate adaptation,
• hydrological modelling,
• agricultural sustainability,
• and environmental simulation science

will find this role particularly valuable for long-term academic and research careers.

Diversity and Inclusion

Forschungszentrum Jülich strongly supports:

• diversity,
• inclusion,
• equal opportunity,
• and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Applications are welcomed regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, or social background.

Official Application Link

Apply here: Official Job Application Portal

Final Thoughts

This postdoctoral position in Germany offers an excellent opportunity for researchers aiming to build expertise in:

• land surface modelling,
• climate simulations,
• environmental data analysis,
• and ecosystem adaptation science.

With strong institutional support, international collaborations, and access to advanced modelling infrastructure, the role provides a powerful platform for early-career scientists interested in environmental and climate research in Europe.