(W-0065) Postdoctoral Position in Multiscale Modeling of Exoplanet Clouds

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 have a virtual tour to our campus .

THE Position

We invite you to apply for a

Postdoctoral Position in Multiscale Modeling of Exoplanet Clouds
(W-0065 | all genders)

to adapt the Earth model ICON and the super-droplet microphysics scheme CLEO to investigate clouds on other worlds, with a focus on Titan. As the successful candidate, you will pursue this research within an international collaboration of Earth and planetary scientists and become an integral member of the Multiscale Cloud Physics Group, led by Franziska Glassmeier at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology.

YOUR PROFILE

We are looking for a curiosity-driven and conceptually-minded candidate who enjoys scientific discussions and interdisciplinary teamwork. To be considered for this position, you must hold, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in atmospheric science, planetary science, astrophysics, geophysical fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, applied mathematics, physics, or a related field. As a suitable candidate, you have implemented or materially modified components of a numerical fluid model. Experience only running an existing model without substantial modification would not normally meet this requirement. Relevant experience may come from atmospheric, oceanic, planetary, astrophysical, or other computational fluid-dynamics applications. Prior experience with the ICON model, the CLEO scheme, or planetary atmospheres is not required. A background in cloud physics – for Earth or other worlds - will be advantageous. You should have experience in presenting your results to the scientific community at conferences and through peer-reviewed publications in international journals. As a successful candidate, we will expect you to work independently and to proactively collaborate within the institute and our international team.

OUR OFFER

• Exceptional opportunity to break new ground in modeling exoplanetary clouds
• Friendly and intellectually stimulating work environment
• Mentoring and support for your professional development including co-supervision of students
• Opportunities to extend your network, locally and through generous funds for scientific travel
• Flexible working conditions
• Attractive benefits including subsidy for public transport across Germany (Deutschlandticket)

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• The position is offered for 2 years (full time), with possibilities for extension. We are open to considering part-time employment.
• The position is available immediately, but the start date is negotiable.
• Payment will be in accordance with German public service positions depending on qualification (E14 TVöD) and includes extensive social security benefits. The conditions of employment, including salary progression 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 particularly encourage applications from researchers who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the scientific community.
• 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.

INTERESTED?

Your application will be given full consideration if you apply online before August 23, 2026 (23:59 CEST) .

For further information, please contact Dr Franziska Glassmeier .

Please submit your application exclusively through our online application system . Applications sent by email cannot be considered.

Your application should include the following documents:

• A letter of motivation
• A brief statement (maximum two pages) outlining your research interests relevant to this position in the context of your scientific achievements
• A detailed CV, including a list of publications and other research outputs
• Contact details for two referees

CONTACT

Deadline: August 23, 2026

Max Planck Institute for Meteorology
Bundesstraße 53
20146 Hamburg
Germany

Mastodon:
@[email protected]