Postdoctoral researcher, “Data assimilation for the UA-ICON weather forecast model” (f/m/d)

Our mission is to advance the scientific knowledge of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere by developing and exploiting expertise in atmospheric physics, instrumentation, analysis and modelling to serve emerging societal needs – such as questions regarding climate change. On the regional level, we closely cooperate with the University of Rostock and are an integral part of the teaching program of the Institute of Physics. Further, we are networked with the research community worldwide. As an institute of the Leibniz Association, we distinguish ourselves as a modern and innovative employer that highly values family friendliness, equality of opportunity and flexibility.

At the Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP), a full-time position (40h/week) in the Department “Modelling of Atmospheric Processes” is available as

Postdoctoral researcher, “Data assimilation for the UA-ICON weather forecast model” (f/m/d)

The position is offered for three years with a start date on 01.01.2025. The salary is according to class EG 13 TV-L.

The department Modelling of Atmospheric Processes at the Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics is looking to hire a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in data assimilation. We focus on developing the upper-atmosphere version of the general circulation model ICON, i.e. UA-ICON. We conduct global simulations to study trends in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, and we perform case studies on regionally refined (nested) domains to support measurement campaigns. The regular version of the ICON model has a model lid at 75 km, which allows an initialization with operational analysis from e.g. the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Above 75 km no such data set is available, so that the initialization of UA-ICON currently uses an extrapolation towards climatology. This hinders accurate comparisons with measurements and hence process studies.

The successful candidate will assimilate all available data into ICON to achieve a more realistic forecast of the mesosphere. In addition, we plan to test how data from new satellite missions could improve knowledge of the global atmospheric state by assimilating virtual data.

• A PhD in Meteorology, Physics, Geoscience or a related field
• Experience with data assimilation and numerical weather forecasting
• Excellent team work and communication skills
• Proficiency in English as a working language

• an attractive working place near the Baltic Sea
• modern equipment
• engagement in an international work environment
• participation in the company pension scheme (VBL)
• employment relationship in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV-L)
• flexible working hours and mobile working within the framework of the applicable regulations
• family office