Skip to main content

PhD position (f/m/x) – Climate extremes in tropical ecosystems - an assessment through data and models Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung - UFZ






PhD position (f/m/x) – Climate extremes in tropical ecosystems - an assessment through data and models Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung - UFZ


The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.
The newly established Department of Remote Sensing in UFZ in tandem with the Remote Sensing Centre for Earth System Research (RSC4Earth.de) - a joint initiative of UFZ and the Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences at Leipzig University - conducts innovative research to advance the understanding of the Earth system via the integration of various remote sensing, data science, and process-oriented modelling techniques. It has extensive research experience in quantifying land surface dynamics from multi-source Earth observations across scales.
Within the PhD framework "MoDEV - Towards novel model-data fusion for understanding environmental variability in space and time from high-resolution remote sensing" we are seeking to appoint a highly motivated candidate for the PhD project on "Climate extremes in tropical ecosystems - an assessment through data and models".
PhD position (f/m/x) – Climate extremes in tropical ecosystems - an assessment through data and models
Working time: 65% (25.35 hours per week), limited to 3 years
Your tasks:
This PhD project aims to understand the impact of extreme events (e.g. drought, heat wave) on ecosystem dynamics in the tropics. We are interested in understanding the role of land-surface dynamics on different ecosystems based on satellite observations and model simulations. Key research questions include:
What are the spatiotemporal dynamics of climate-induced extreme events in tropical forests and how do their impacts and characteristics change regionally as a function of environmental conditions?
What is the role of species and structural diversity in buffering the impacts of climate extremes; can we describe gradients of resilience within tropical forest ecosystems?
To achieve this goal, optimal data-fusion strategies for merging satellite remote sensing data and models with different spatial and temporal resolutions shall be developed
The PhD project will be supervised by Prof. Miguel Mahecha (UFZ and Leipzig University) and Prof. Andreas Huth (UFZ).
Your profile:
Master degree (or equivalent) in Earth system (data-) science, computer sciences, remote sensing, hydrology, meteorology, applied mathematics, or any related field.
Fluency in one language of scientific computing (e.g., Julia, Python, Fortran, R)
Ideally a solid background in either machine-learning or dynamical modelling
Genuine interest in understanding how the Earth system works!
Willingness to publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific meetings
Good communication skills in English, and strong interest to work in an interdisciplinary research team
We offer:
Excellent technical facilities which are without parallel
The freedom you need to bridge the difficult gap between basic research and close to being ready for application
Work in interdisciplinary, multinational teams
Excellent links with national and international research networks
Excellent support and optimal subject-specific and general training with our HIGRADE graduate school
Remuneration in accordance with the TVöD public-sector pay grade 13 (65%)





Vineesh V
Assistant Professor of Geography,
Directorate of Education,
Government of Kerala.
https://www.facebook.com/Applied.Geography
http://geogisgeo.blogspot.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The global dimensions of disaster

Disasters are not merely natural occurrences but complex interactions between natural hazards and human vulnerabilities. To effectively address disaster risk, we must consider several interconnected dimensions: 1. Vulnerability: Definition: The susceptibility of individuals, communities, or assets to harm from a disaster. Factors: Socioeconomic conditions, geographic location, and environmental factors influence vulnerability. Example: Communities with high poverty rates and limited access to resources are more vulnerable to disaster impacts. 2. Exposure: Definition: The degree to which people, property, and infrastructure are located in hazard-prone areas. Factors: Population density, land use patterns, and infrastructure development influence exposure. Example: Coastal cities with high population density are highly exposed to hurricane and tsunami risks. 3. Capacity: Definition: A community's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Factors: Strong ...

Overview of Disasters in India

India's Vulnerability to Natural Disasters India's diverse geography and climate make it highly susceptible to a range of natural disasters. These events, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, droughts, cyclones, and landslides, can have devastating consequences for millions of people and the economy. Major Natural Disasters Affecting India: Earthquakes: Tectonic Setting: India's position on the Indian Plate, which is colliding with the Eurasian Plate, makes it prone to seismic activity. Impact: Earthquakes can cause widespread destruction, including building collapses, landslides, and tsunamis. The 2001 Gujarat earthquake is a prime example of such devastation. Tsunamis: Oceanic Triggers: Underwater earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can generate tsunamis, as seen in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Impact: Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to tsunamis, which can lead to massive loss of life and property. Floods: Monsoon Influence: India's...

Water Act 1974

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 is a significant piece of legislation in India aimed at preventing and controlling water pollution. Here are some key facts about the Act: 1. Objective: The primary objective is to prevent and control water pollution and maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water in the country. 2. Establishment of Boards:    - Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): The Act mandates the establishment of the CPCB to oversee and coordinate activities across the nation and advise the Central Government.    - State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Each state is required to establish its own SPCB to plan comprehensive programs for the prevention and control of pollution. 3. Powers and Functions:    - The Boards have the authority to inspect any sewage or trade effluents, works, and plants for the treatment of sewage and trade effluents.    - They can establish standards for the discharge of pollutants into water bodies and ensure adherence to...

Environment Management DRR

Environmental management plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) by harnessing the power of natural ecosystems to prevent and mitigate the impacts of disasters. By protecting and restoring these ecosystems, we can strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable development. Interconnections Between Environmental Management and DRR: Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR): Natural Barriers: Ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and coral reefs act as natural barriers, reducing the impact of hazards like floods, landslides, and storm surges. Resilience Building: Healthy ecosystems enhance community resilience by absorbing excess rainfall, preventing erosion, and mitigating the effects of climate change. Environmental Considerations in Disaster Planning: Sustainable Practices: Incorporating environmental considerations into disaster planning helps prevent further environmental degradation, which can exacerbate disaster impacts. Resource Conservati...

Forset management and water conservation

Forest management and water conservation are closely intertwined concepts, as forests play a crucial role in maintaining water resources. Here's an explanation of their connection: 1. Water Regulation: Forests act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and releasing it gradually. Trees help regulate water flow, preventing rapid runoff and reducing the risk of floods. 2. Groundwater Recharge: Trees contribute to groundwater recharge by allowing rainwater to percolate into the soil. This replenishes underground aquifers, which are important sources of freshwater. 3. Erosion Control: Forests provide vegetation cover that protects soil from erosion caused by rainfall. This, in turn, helps maintain the quality of water bodies by preventing sedimentation. 4. Streamflow Maintenance: Healthy forests ensure consistent streamflow. Trees release water through transpiration, influencing local and regional precipitation patterns and sustaining rivers and streams. 5. Biodiversity and Water Qual...