Group Leader in Climate Dynamics (W-0042 | all genders)

ABOUT US

The Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI‑M) is a multidisciplinary center for climate and Earth system research located in Hamburg, Germany. It is one of the premier climate science research institutes in the world. Located in the heart of one of Europe’s most livable and vibrant cities, it provides a highly international and interdisciplinary environment to conduct scientific research as well as access to state-of-the-art scientific facilities. You can also take a virtual tour of our campus .

THE POSITION

The Climate Dynamics Department at MPI‑M is seeking a

Group Leader in Climate Dynamics

(W-0042 | all genders)

to head the Weather-Climate Interaction Group, which aims to advance the fundamental understanding of how small-scale processes influence large-scale climate patterns. The group is expected to fully leverage a km-scale ICON model, capable of resolving storm systems and mesoscale ocean eddies. A key research direction will be to explore how storm-resolving models shape the structure of the mean climate and project future climate change – and how these effects compare to those from conventional climate models.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop an original research program that leverages km-scale ICON model experiments
• Supervise doctoral and postdoctoral scholars, as well as research students if the opportunity arises

YOUR PROFILE

• Ph.D. in physics, meteorology, atmospheric or climate sciences or a related discipline by the start date. Preferably with first postdoctoral experience in atmospheric/​climate science
• Demonstrated capability to publish top-quality research papers
• Excellent analytical and programming skills
• Intellectual independence
• Willingness and expected ability to guide young scholars
• Fluency in written and spoken English

OUR OFFER

• Participation in a challenging part of science in an international, intellectually stimulating environment
• Opportunity to develop an individual research profile
• Opportunity to work with a next‑generation earth system model, at the forefront of what is technically possible and to conduct first-of-their-kind simulations
• Excellent opportunities for further (self‑)training and development, self-organized and/or in external courses and events, including supervisory experience
• A network of very experienced and innovative colleagues within the institute, and at project partner institutions with a long-proven tradition of sharing knowledge and information
• Possibility for flexible time management and measures to support work‑life balance
• Attractive subsidy for job ticket in Hamburg (DeutschlandJobTicket)

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• The position is offered for a duration of 6 years, with a start date as soon as possible
• Payment will be in accordance with German public service positions depending on qualification (E 14 TVöD), including extensive social security plans. The conditions of employment, including upgrades and duration, follow the rules of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science and those of the German civil service
• The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds
• The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and ability to fulfill the responsibilities as outlined for this project.

INTERESTED?

This call for applications is open until July 29, 2025, with a first cut-off date of June 15, 2025 via online application .

The application documents should include

1. a motivation letter
2. a statement of accomplishments and a research plan where you also explain how you will make use of the unique resources of the institute. Both documents together should not exceed five pages in a reasonable font size
3. a detailed curriculum vitae
4. and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of two references.