PostDoc regional climate downscaling 80-100% (f/m/d)
Eidgenössische Forschungsanstalt für Wald, Schnee und Landschaft (WSL)
Birmensdorf
Key information
- Publication date:07 August 2025
- Workload:80 – 100%
- Place of work:Birmensdorf
Job summary
Join the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL). This is a great opportunity to work on climate change solutions and make a real difference.
Tasks
- Develop high-resolution climate models for Armenia using CHELSA.
- Conduct bias correction with local meteorological data for accuracy.
- Collaborate with Armhydromet to enhance local climate expertise.
Skills
- PhD in climatology or related field; climate modeling experience required.
- Proficiency in Python and Linux systems essential.
- Experience with high-performance computing and scientific publication.
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The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.
PostDoc regional climate downscaling 80-100% (f/m/d)
The Dynamic Macroecology group within the Land Change Science research unit conducts data- and model-based analyses of the effects of climate change and thus provides an important basis for decision-making for the future - both internationally and nationally. We are offering a position within the FORACCA (Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia) project, starting immediately, for a duration of 1.5 years, as a
You will join the FORACCA project, funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation (DEZA). The project supports reforestation efforts on community lands, promotes climate-smart forest management, and fosters climate-resilient local development in Armenia. It aims to deliver cutting-edge scientific insights and targeted policy assistance, ensuring tangible impacts across multiple scales.
In your role, you will be responsible for developing state-of-the-art downscaled regional climate models for Armenia, utilizing the topographic downscaling method CHELSA (Climatologies at High Resolution for the Earth's Land Surface Areas). You will conduct bias correction of CHELSA observational data with data provided by local Armenian meteorological stations. Additionally, you will downscale selected regional climate models to a resolution of 1 km. You will calculate essential climate indicators for all Armenian communities and cities, with particular attention to those specifically targeted by FORACCA. Based on these indicators, you will develop comprehensive local climate impact profiles. Your collaboration with Armhydromet will involve conducting exchanges and training sessions, enhancing local capacities and expertise in climate modeling. Furthermore, you will contribute to preparing scientific publications based on your research findings.
You hold a PhD in climatology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline. Proven experience in climate modeling is required, and familiarity with the CHELSA methodology would be advantageous. You must have experience managing and analyzing large geoscientific datasets and should be familiar with climate model outputs. Proficiency in utilizing high-performance computing clusters and/or cloud computing environments is essential. Fluency in Python and experience working on Linux-based systems are expected. Excellent English proficiency and a demonstrated track record in scientific writing and publication are also required.
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Dirk N. Karger (E-Mail schreiben) will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.
