PostDoc in Paleoclimatology

PostDoc in Paleoclimatology

WSL - Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research

Birmensdorf, Switzerland

The Research Group Dendrosciences uses tree rings to investigate and understand environmental impacts on tree growth and to reconstruct past environmental changes at scales ranging from minutes to millennia and from cells to ecosystems around the globe. From 1 February 2027, we offer a 9-month position as a PostDoc in Paleoclimatology 80-100% (f/m/d).

You will be part of the SNFS RECONSPHERE project, which investigates inter-hemispheric temperature inconsistencies that are evident when comparing climate proxies and model simulations over the past millennium. Reducing such uncertainties is crucial for understanding and assessing late Holocene climate history and thus the efficacy of climate model projections. In this project we we will mainly focus on more detailed explorations of proxy records, in particular tree rings to potentially solve this puzzle. In this context, you will analyze state-of-the-art millennial tree-ring chronologies based on quantitative wood anatomy (QWA) from both hemispheres and publish the results in scientific journals. You will be responsible for regional temperature reconstructions and comparing expressions of the Medieval Climate Anomaly, the Little Ice Age and the current warm period across northern (NH) and southern hemispheres (SH). For the current warm period, this will include comparing SH & NH divergence fingerprints. Furthermore, proxy-model comparison for the past millenium could be included. You will be part of a very enthusiastic and ambitious international project team that includes leading experts in the field. The position will be based at WSL as part of the Dendrosciences group, a top address for tree-ring research with experienced researchers and technicians, state-of-the-art laboratories and a dynamic, stimulating and international working environment.

You have a PhD degree in climatology, environmental sciences, or equivalent. You should have a proven track record for excellent analytical and statistical skills in time series analysis, preferably using QWA in dendroclimatology. You are proficient in programming and handling of large datasets. You are able to efficiently expand and acquire knowledge in topics relevant to the project. You have a proficient command of written and spoken English and excel at internal and external communication. You are able to work in a structured, efficient and independent manner, and have a high level of team spirit.