Postdoc: Terrestrial ecosystem modelling

Our group for Geocomputation and Earth Observation develops new models and model-data integration methods to gain a mechanistic understanding of biogeochemical cycling of terrestrial ecosystems, water‑carbon coupling, and forest responses to climate change. We are hosted at the Institute of Geography, University of Bern, and work at the intersection of terrestrial ecology, earth system science, earth observation, and data science. Within the bi‑national multi‑PI project UP‑SCALE – Understanding VPD impacts on forests across scales to advance the next generation of Earth‑system models, we are recruiting a Postdoc (3.5 years).

• Integrate a hydraulics‑explicit representation of photosynthesis, transpiration, and their acclimation (P‑hydro) into a vegetation demography model (Biome
  
  EP).
• Break new ground in using eco‑evolutionary optimality principles for simulating tree hydraulic and architectural trait acclimation.
• Conduct methods development for model‑data integration on the basis of data from ecosystem manipulation experiments, sap flow measurements, and others.
• Assess model performance for predicting trait distributions, community compositions, ecosystem fluxes, and forest structures along aridity gradients.
• Conduct past‑to‑future simulations, separating effects of long‑term trends in VPD, CO₂, tree community shifts, and acclimation.
• Build on and integrate into the UP‑SCALE project, collaborating closely with project partners, and co‑supervising the two PhD students funded through the project.
• Develop reliable and reusable code, actively participate and exchange as a group member based in Bern, present at national and international conferences, and publish research emerging from this project in peer‑reviewed scientific journals.

• PhD degree in a relevant discipline.
• Proficient English written and oral skills.
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
• Demonstrated experience with programming (ideally R and Fortran), collaborative code management, and data science methods.
• An open and collaborative mentality for the development of our computational infrastructure.

• Hosted at the Institute of Geography and part of the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (OCCR).
• Small group with strong collaborative philosophy.
• Leading academic environment within an international collaboration (UP‑SCALE).
• Excellent quality of life in Switzerland.
• Central location in the heart of Bern.
• International reputation, inspiring work environment, collaborative environment, and ambitious team.

For further information about our group please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..