The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences is the national centre for research into the geosphere. With around 1,650 employees, we develop a sound understanding of systems and processes of the solid Earth as well as strategies and options for action to counter global change, understand natural hazards and sustainably secure energy and raw material requirements.

In Section 4.7 “Earth Surface Process Modelling” (Department 4 “Geosystems”), we are looking for a:

We have recently developed a coupled model of landscape evolution and speciation in response to external forcings (https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/16/6921/2023/gmd-16-6921-2023-discussion.html). We propose to use the model to interpret a variety of relevant data that has been collected during the first two phases of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC1211) titled “Earth Evolution at the Dry Limit” between several German universities, including the University of Cologne (CRC lead institution), and the GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences Potsdam. The CRC objectives are to study the mutual evolutionary relationships between Earth‐surface processes and biota in arid to hyper‐arid conditions. The post-doctoral position will be hosted at the GFZ in Potsdam in the Earth Surface Process Modelling (ESPM) group of Jean Braun (https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/section/earth-surface-process-modelling), where numerical models are developed and used to investigate a wide range of physical, chemical and biological processes and interactions occurring at the Earth’s surface that are driven by tectonic processes and modulated by climate (https://github.com/fastscape-lem). The ESPM section hosts approximately 15 researchers from diverse backgrounds and with varied research interests. The postdoc will also provide support and guidance for a PhD student supervised at the University of Cologne.

Your responsibilities:

• Use coupled numerical models of life and landscape evolution to interpret (phylo-)genetic and taxonomic data from hyper-arid regions
• Test whether the tectonic regime, i.e. extensional (Namibia) vs. convergent (central Chile), affects the distribution of biodiversity across a plateau margin
• Quantify the potential links between vegetation, river discharge and erosion patterns in a dry climate environment
• Further develop the models 
• Collaborate with other members of the CRC 1211
• Interact with other members of the Earth Surface Process Modeling Section at weekly group meetings and in other informal ways
• Present results at scientific meetings and in publications in peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications:

• PhD in Biological Sciences or in Earth Sciences
• Demonstrable knowledge (and preferably research experience) in biogeography or in the use and interpretation of (phylo-)genetic and taxonomic data
• Experience in the use of numerical models
• Ability to use a programming language such as Python, MATLAB, C, C++ or Fortran
• Familiarity with the timescales of geological, life and climate evolution
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment
• Creativity and critical thinking skills and the ability to publish, as demonstrated by a record of original and innovative publications (preprints will be considered)
• Capacity for international teamwork, and excellent communication skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English