PhD position (m/f/d) in Model-Driven Machine Learning for Climate and Earth Science

Reference code: 50015248_2 – 2020/KS 3
Commencement date: as soon as possible

The Model-Driven Machine Learning group aims to understand and predict the complex dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere, ocean, land and ice. Physics-based simulators handle this complexity well, but struggle with data assimilation, parameter tuning and uncertainty quantification. Machine learning thrives on large datasets, but ignores physics and generalizes poorly to new scenarios. The candidate will combine physics- and data-driven approaches to gain insights unavailable to either approach alone. This work will serve to enhance our physical understanding of the Earth system and to improve predictions of high-impact events in the near and distant future.

We invite applications for a PhD position (m/f/d) in Model-Driven Machine Learning for Climate and Earth Science at the Institute of Coastal Research with the preferred starting date as soon as possible. The positions are limited to three years.

These positions are designed for curious and driven PhD students (m/f/d) to focus on challenging and impactful research, supported by extensive on-site expertise and top-notch computational resources, with minimal administrative or teaching duties.
Your profile• a master’s degree in mathematics, physics, computer science or the geosciences
• possess strong background and skills in math and programming
• carry out research independently with curiosity, creativity, initiative and persistence
• work well in a small group with diverse skill sets and backgrounds
• learn quickly on-the-job and from research articles on ML, Earth and climate science
• communicate well in written and spoken English
We offer you• multinational work environment with over 1,000 colleagues from more than 50 nations
• extensive options of vocational training (i.a. expert seminars, language courses or leadership seminars)
• flexible working hours and various models to ensure the compatibility of family and career
• excellent infrastructure, including a scientific in-house library as well as modern work spaces
• an appropriate salary related to the German public tariff (TV-AVH) plus the usual social benefits for the public employment sector

The promotion of equal rights is a matter of course for us. Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG), in Geesthacht, near Hamburg, and in Teltow, near Berlin, conducts materials and coastal research. For further information please refer to: www.hzg.de

HZG is one of the 19 national institutions of the Hermann von Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres e.V. (HGF). Around 1,000 employees carry out basic research and development work in close cooperation with national and international research institutions, research-oriented clinics and economic and public institutions.

At the Institute of Coastal Research about 150 scientists research processes on the coast and interactions between the land, the sea and humans. The objective of the three sub-institutes "Biogeochemistry in Coastal Seas", "Operational Systems" and "System Analysis and Modelling" is to create the scientific basis for sustainable development and future-oriented management of the coasts.

How to applyFor further questions please contact Dr. David Greenberg ([Email Address Removed]).

Interested? Then we are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, transcripts, certificates etc.) indicating the reference number 2020/KS 3.

Please start the online application process for this offered position via www.hzg.de category Career & Campus.

Application deadline: April 28, 2020
Workplace: Geesthacht
Contact: Erika Krüger
[Email Address Removed]