Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI), Bremerhaven
in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft (HGF)

The Alfred-Wegener-Institut for Polar- and Marine Research invites applications for

1.two PostDoc positions (Reference no. 52/POL and 53/MAR)

2. onePh.D. position(Reference no. 54/POL

in the framework of the BMBF-funded project "The North Atlantic as part of the Earth System: From understanding of the system to analysis of regional impact”, AP1.3: “Variation of fresh water transport in the Arctic”, starting October 1st, 2006.

Background: Large river-runoff and sea ice melt cause an enormously stable stratification of the Arctic Ocean. The circulation and budget of the huge surplus of fresh-water in the upper Arctic Ocean are recognized to have a considerable effect on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Changes of the latter are expected to have the potential to cause climate change. Understanding the involved mechanisms and the dynamics that regulate the release of the Arctic fresh water to the deep convection sites of the North Atlantic requires a combination of sustained observation of motion and properties of the Arctic Ocean upper layers and their exchange with the North Atlantic with the numerical simulations of the Arctic and North Atlantic ocean-sea ice system.

Tasks: The succesful applicants will become members of a team that combines observational and numerical investigations in Arctic Ocean and sea ice variability. One PostDoc position (reference no. 52/POL) is intended for conducting and analyzing observations of the velocity and hydrography from newly developed ice-tethered platforms with automated systems as well as tracer data. The observations are part of the international programme iAOOS (international Arctic Ocean Observing System). The second PostDoc position (reference no. 53/MAR) is intended for conducting and analyzing numerical simulations with the North Atlantic-Arctic Ocean-Sea Ice Model (NAOSIM) hierarchy of the AWI. This includes hindcast simulations of the variability over the previous century as well as future scenario calculations. The PhD student position (reference no. 54/POL) is intended for investigations of the past and future developments of the fresh water, ice, and snow balances of the Arctic Ocean.

Close co-operation with the members of the existing Arctic circulation group as well as of the entire project is expected. The candidates must be willing to participate in scientific cruises in the Arctic.

Requirements: We seek enthusiastic persons holding a PhD degree (PostDocs) in physical oceanography or related disciplines. For the modelling position (53/MAR) experience in numerical modelling, good mathematical skills and experience with FORTRAN/Unix are necessary. Knowledge of statistical data analysis would be advantageous. For the observational oceanographer position (52/POL) experience from cruises and/or oceanographic data analysis is an asset. For the PhD position (54/POL) we expect completed university studies (Masters degree or equivalent) in physics, physical oceanography, meteorology or mathematics and a deep interest in understanding the high latitude climate system.

Further information can be obtained from Ursula Schauer () or Dr. R. Gerdes ().

The position is limited to three years. Position 1.the salary will be paid following the German Bundesangestelltentarifvertrag (BAT). Position 2. is a part time position.

The AWI supports balanced work-life career development via a variety of alternatives.

Please forward your applications with the standard documentation (resume, photograph, credentials and activity reports) by31, August2006 under reference number to:

Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut
für Polar- und Meeresforschung
Personalabteilung
Postfach 12 01 61
27515 Bremerhaven

AWI is an equal opportunity employer.