Scientific Position (PhD or Postdoctoral level) in Biodiversity Tipping Points and Ecosystem Resilience Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in Germany

The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) is offering a scientific position at either the PhD or postdoctoral level within the project 'The Role of the Ocean in Earth System Stability.' This opportunity focuses on Biodiversity Tipping Points and Ecosystem Resilience, with a start date ideally on 01.04.2026. The position is embedded in Research Department 1, Earth System Analysis, and is part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team working on marine biodiversity, ecosystem health, and biosphere functioning.

Key responsibilities include conducting regional case studies on biodiversity resilience, degradation, and tipping dynamics; analyzing large biodiversity, environmental, and pressure datasets; contributing to the identification of vulnerable ecosystems and potential recovery pathways; supporting the development and testing of biodiversity indicators relevant to Earth system stability; and engaging in science communication and outreach activities. Postdoctoral candidates may provide scientific guidance and co-supervise PhD students, while PhD candidates will develop a focused doctoral project within work package 2.

The project investigates how ocean heat and carbon uptake, circulation changes, and biosphere feedbacks may push the Earth system toward critical thresholds. Work package 1 focuses on marine sinks of heat and carbon, using Earth system and biogeochemical models, observational data, and scenario analysis to identify early-warning signals and tipping points. Work package 2, where this position is based, links biological change to Earth system stability by developing and testing indicators of ecosystem resilience and systemic risk.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (for PhD) or PhD (for postdoc) in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, marine sciences, or a related field. Experience with complex ecological or environmental datasets and data analysis is expected, and familiarity with scientific programming environments (e.g., Python, R) is highly desirable. Strong motivation to collaborate across disciplines, interest in policy-relevant science and sustainability frameworks, and high competence in oral and written English are required. For postdoctoral applicants, experience with regional biodiversity assessments and quantitative analysis, and ability to link empirical results to broader Earth system or policy-relevant frameworks are expected. International applicants must submit a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) if their application is successful.

PIK offers close integration into the Planetary Boundaries Science Lab, opportunities to contribute to high-visibility synthesis products such as the Planetary Health Check, and a lively community of PhD students. The institute is located on Potsdam's historic Telegrafenberg campus, with flexi-time and mobile working options, a collective pay scheme, associated benefits, and a subsidized travel card or Deutschland-Ticket. PIK values equality and diversity, encourages applications from women and parents returning from parental leave, and considers all qualified applicants regardless of background.

Applications should be submitted via the application form on the PIK website by 18.03.2026. The process remains open until the position is filled. For further information, visit the ZAB website or contact Dr. Sabine Mathesius.