PhD Student in Earth System Modelling

Marine biogeochemical tipping points

The Global Biogeochemcial Modelling Group of the Climate and Environmental Physics Division at the University of Bern, Switzerland invites applications for a PhD position in Earth system modelling of past biogeochemical tipping points in the ocean.

The PhD candidate will be an integral part of the ERC Starting Grant project BGCTip "Unraveling tipping dynamics of marine biogeochemistry from past climate transitions". The BGCTip project aims to provide new mechanistic understanding of the interactions between tipping dynamics and marine biogeochemistry, utilizing Earth's past climatic events and novel interdisciplinary methods to better understand the complex relationship between climate and the carbon cycle, ultimately reducing uncertainties in future climate change scenarios.

• Explore interactions of rapid ocean circulation changes with marine biogeochemistry, focusing on nutrient cycling and the carbon cycle, during past abrupt climate change.
• Design, conduct, and analyze model experiments with the fast Earth system model (Bern3D) developed at the University of Bern to provide new constraints on the dynamics of marine biogeochemistry to abrupt changes and tipping points.
• Actively contribute to the Global Biogeochemical Modeling Group, presenting results at international scientific conferences and publishing in peer‑reviewed literature.

• Master's degree in Oceanography, Climate Science, Physics, or a related field (or will have completed this before the start of the project).
• Deep interest in climate modelling and solid programming skills in Python, Fortran, R, or Julia, and data handling skills.
• Passion for interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
• Proficient in written and spoken English. Knowledge of paleoceanography would be considered an advantage.

• International reputation.
• Strong research infrastructure and international network.
• Collaborative environment and ambitious team.
• Individual career support.