PostDoc Position in Global Terrestrial Biogeochemical Modelling at Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Germany (2026)
The successful candidate will join the Department of Biogeochemical Signals (BSI) and contribute to the development of the globally recognized QUINCY terrestrial biosphere model, supporting major international climate modelling initiatives, including CMIP7, TRENDY, and NMIP.
Applications are open until 15 August 2026.
About the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry
The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC), located in Jena, Germany, is internationally recognized for cutting-edge research in:
Earth system science
Climate change
Ecosystem dynamics
Carbon cycling
Biogeochemistry
Atmospheric science
The institute employs around 250 researchers and staff from around the world and is part of the prestigious Max Planck Society, one of Europe's leading scientific organizations.
About the Research Project
The successful PostDoc will join the Terrestrial Biosphere Modelling Group within the Department of Biogeochemical Signals.
The department integrates:
Earth observations
Climate data
Ecosystem measurements
Process-based models
to better understand interactions between:
Climate change
Terrestrial ecosystems
Land-use change
Nutrient cycling
Greenhouse gas dynamics
A major component of the group's work involves the QUINCY terrestrial biosphere model, which has recently been integrated into the ICON Earth System Model.
International Research Initiatives
The PostDoc will contribute to several internationally important modelling projects, including:
CMIP7 (AR7 FastTrack)
Supporting next-generation climate projections for the IPCC Seventh Assessment Report.
TRENDY
A global model intercomparison project evaluating terrestrial biosphere models.
NMIP
Model intercomparison focused on nutrient cycling and ecosystem dynamics.
WIEMIP
International model comparison studies investigating land-surface processes.
These collaborations place the successful candidate at the center of global climate modelling research.
Research Focus
The exact research direction will depend on the candidate's expertise and interests.
Potential research topics include:
Improving Model Predictions
Using observational constraints such as:
Atmospheric measurements
Stable isotope observations
Earth observation datasets
to improve terrestrial biosphere model performance.
Nutrient-Constrained Methane Production
Developing new model components to better represent methane production under nutrient limitations.
Anthropogenic Nutrient Perturbations
Investigating how human activities and land management influence:
Carbon cycling
Nitrogen cycling
Greenhouse gas balance
Global ecosystem responses
Large-Scale Ecosystem Modelling
Analyzing global terrestrial ecosystem simulations using reanalysis-driven and coupled Earth system models.
Main Responsibilities
The successful researcher will:
Develop the QUINCY Model
Contribute to improving one of the world's leading terrestrial biosphere models.
Design New Model Components
Implement innovative representations of terrestrial ecosystem processes.
Analyze Simulations
Evaluate model outputs using observational datasets and intercomparison projects.
Publish Scientific Research
Prepare manuscripts for high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences.
Develop Independent Research
Pursue original scientific ideas while collaborating with researchers across Germany and Europe.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
Essential Qualification
PhD in:
Environmental Science
Environmental Engineering
Climate Science
Earth System Science
Environmental Physics
Or a related discipline
Required Expertise
Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of:
Terrestrial biogeochemical cycles
Land-atmosphere interactions
Ecosystem modelling
Climate science
Terrestrial ecology
Technical Skills
Applicants should have experience with:
Process-Based Ecosystem Models
Experience developing or applying global ecosystem models is highly desirable.
High-Performance Computing
Knowledge of HPC systems for large-scale simulations is preferred.
Programming Languages
Experience with at least one compiled language:
FORTRAN
C++
and one scientific scripting language:
Python
R
is required.
Additional Requirements
The successful applicant should demonstrate:
Independent research capability
Scientific publication record
Strong teamwork skills
Excellent written and spoken English
Contract Details
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution: Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry
Location: Jena, Germany
Duration
Initial contract: 3 years
Possibility of extension
Working Hours
Full-time
Part-time arrangements may also be possible
Salary and Benefits
The position is funded under the TVöD Bund (German Public Service Salary Agreement).
Benefits include:
Competitive public-sector salary
Pension scheme (VBL)
Career mentoring
Professional development
Training opportunities through the Max Planck Society
Researchers also benefit from working within one of Europe's most prestigious scientific institutions.
Living in Jena
Jena is one of Germany's leading science and innovation cities.
The city offers:
Outstanding research environment
International academic community
High-tech industries
Beautiful natural surroundings
Vibrant student life
Excellent quality of life
Located in the scenic Saale Valley, Jena provides easy access to forests, hiking trails, and cultural attractions.
Application Process
Applicants should submit a single PDF file (maximum 10 MB) containing:
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Names and contact information of two referees
Applications may be submitted:
By email - bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de
By post - Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
Personalbüro: Kennwort “PostDoc”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena
Applicants should reference: Job Code: 06/2026
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 15 August 2026
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Contract Duration: 3 Years (extendable)
Location: Jena, Germany
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main objective of this postdoctoral position?
The project focuses on improving global terrestrial biosphere models to better understand interactions between ecosystems, climate change, land use, and nutrient cycles.
2. Which model will I work with?
The successful candidate will primarily work on the QUINCY terrestrial biosphere model, integrated into the ICON Earth System Model.
3. Which international projects are involved?
Research contributes to major global initiatives including CMIP7, TRENDY, NMIP, and WIEMIP.
4. Which programming languages are required?
Applicants should have experience with:
FORTRAN or C++
Python or R
5. Is High-Performance Computing experience necessary?
It is highly desirable but not strictly mandatory.
6. What academic background is required?
Applicants should hold a PhD in Environmental Science, Earth System Science, Climate Science, Environmental Physics, or a related discipline.
7. How long is the contract?
The initial appointment is for three years, with the possibility of extension.
8. Is English sufficient for this position?
Yes. Excellent written and spoken English is required. German language skills are not mandatory.
9. Does the institute support career development?
Yes. Researchers receive career mentoring and access to professional development opportunities through the Max Planck Society.
10. When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 15 August 2026.
Final Thoughts
The PostDoc in Global Terrestrial Biogeochemical Modelling at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry offers an outstanding opportunity for researchers interested in climate science, Earth system modelling, ecosystem processes, and global carbon and nutrient cycling. Working with internationally recognized models such as QUINCY and contributing to major projects like CMIP7 provides an excellent platform for building a high-impact research career in Earth system science.
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