PhD Position in "StratCAO – Salt and freshwater processes altering Stratification in a Changing Arctic Ocean" (f/d/x/m)

PhD Position in "StratCAO – Salt and freshwater processes altering Stratification in a Changing Arctic Ocean" (f/d/x/m)

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state government. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry and geophysics thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.

PhD Position in "StratCAO – Salt and freshwater processes altering Stratification in a Changing Arctic Ocean" (f/d/x/m)

Background
The Arctic Ocean is an important part of the global climate system and is currently changing at a dramatic rate. However, Arctic observations are still limited, and multiple datasets have not been analysed in a synergetic way. In particular, strong sea ice melt is related to changes in upper ocean stratification, which, for cold Arctic waters, is dominated by salinity.

By examining long-term observations (20 years) of the upper ocean and sea ice properties you will identify feedback processes and determine the contribution of sea ice to upper ocean exchange processes of salt and fresh water. The observations primarily stem from ice-tethered, drifting measurement platforms (“buoys”), ships and moorings. Using satellite data, reanalysis products and output from numerical models will extend the analysis in space and time. A synthesis and comparison with other studies will distinguish regional components of Arctic change and their exchange with lower latitudes. This position is part of a collaborative project with the University of Bremen.



Your Tasks

• Processing and synthesis of water temperature, salinity, velocity, and sea ice data
• Analysis of observations and model output using oceanographic theory
• Combining data from different platforms, distributed in space and time, and upscaling results
• Using output from other research to distinguish regional components of change
• Presentation of the results at conferences and publication in scientific journals
• Participation in research expeditions to deploy instruments and obtain measurements

Your Profile

• Master's degree or equivalent in physical oceanography or environmental science
• Good understanding of ocean dynamics and ocean observation
• Willingness to join oceanographic research expeditions to the polar regions and collaborate with colleagues as part of a team
• Good programming skills in a high-level programming language (e.g. MATLAB, Python)
• Good command of English (approximately equivalent to CEFR level B2)
• Experience in marine/polar field work, and experience using satellite, reanalysis, or model products are considered assets

Further Information

• Contact in day-to-day work: with up to 5 people 
• Communication: almost equal share (internal/external)
  in the following ways

1. By telephone: occasionally (several times a month) 
2. E-mail: frequently (daily or several times a week)
3. Video conferencing (e.g. Webex): occasionally (several times a month) 
4. Personal contact in presence: frequently (daily or several times a week) 

• Movement around the workplace: regularly within the building (e.g, between departments or floors) 
• Business trips: occasional (several times a year)
• Expeditions: occur 

Please note that the general conditions listed serve as a guide and may vary depending on the specific area of application.

For further information on the specific position, please reach out to Prof Dr Benjamin Rabe ([email protected]; +49 471 4831-2403) or Dr Claudia Wekerle ([email protected]; +49 471 4831-1813).
If you have any general questions about the application process, our Recruiting team will be glad to support you – please contact Elisabeth Wildt ([email protected], +49 471 4831-2236).
In this overview you will find further contact persons for various matters.

This position is limited to 3 years, with a desired start date of February 1st, 2027. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66 %). Employment typically starts at experience levels 1 to 3. For more information on the current pay scale, please visit our careers page at https://www.awi.de/en/work-study/jobs/pay.html. The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. 
We offer

• Excellent research environment with access to globally unique infrastructure, comprehensive datasets, and international expeditions
• Opportunity to develop and pursue independent scientific ideas and innovative research approaches addressing societally relevant questions
• Close scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation within the institute as well as with national and international partners
• An international working environment with daily interaction with colleagues from around the world
• Opportunities for professional and personal development
• Flexible working hours 
• 30 days of annual leave (full-time), plus additional days off on December 24th and 31st
• Annual special payment in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TVöD Bund)
• Occupational health promotion and company fitness programme with Hansefit
• Support services and an established culture promoting work–life balance, e.g. through our family office offering childcare services (e.g. holiday programmes) as well as advice on family and care responsibilities
• Occupational pension scheme (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.

We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master's degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references online only by November 16th, 2026. Interviews will take place between December 8-10th, 2026. We kindly ask you to apply in English. No photo is required – we value your qualifications and experience.

Reference number: 26/88/D/Kli-b


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