PhD position in Earth system modeling of climate tipping points

Earth system responses to AMOC collapse

The Ocean Modelling Group within the Climate and Environmental Physics Division at the University of Bern invites applications for a PhD position in Earth system modeling with a focus on climate tipping points. The PhD candidate will be an integral part of the newly established National Competence Centre in Research NCCR CLIM+ (www.nccr-climplus.ch). NCCR CLIM+ supports Switzerland's transformation towards a climate-resilient society and trains a new generation of experts with strong disciplinary and transdisciplinary expertise. This project offers the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in climate science and tipping points within the NCCR CLIM+, as well as the Climate and Environmental Physics Division and the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research of the University of Bern. The successful candidate will contribute to the dynamic and growing Ocean Modeling Group of the University of Bern, present results at national and international scientific conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Your responsibilities

The PhD candidate will explore how the climate system, including extremes, and the carbon cycle respond to a potential future collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), and how such changes may interact with other tipping elements. The project will involve designing, conducting, and analysing targeted experiments using a state-of-the-art, fully coupled Earth system model.

Your profile

We are seeking an outstanding candidate with a Master's degree in climate science, physics, oceanography, Earth sciences, or a related field. Experience in climate modeling, programming, and large dataset analysis is highly desirable. Knowledge of the ocean, global carbon cycle and tipping point research is an asset. Excellent written and spoken English skills are required.