Fully Funded PhD in Climate Science and Earth System Modeling at University of Bern University of Bern in Switzerland

The Climate and Environmental Physics Division at the University of Bern is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Climate Science, with a strong focus on Earth system modeling and the impacts of catastrophic events on the planet’s climate and biosphere.

The project examines how major disturbances such as massive volcanic eruptions and meteorite impacts influence Earth’s climate, atmospheric composition, carbon cycle, and biosphere across different stages of Earth history. The successful candidate will join the Ocean Modelling Group and the Atmospheric Dynamics Group, and will work with the state-of-the-art GFDL Earth System Model to simulate coupled climate and carbon cycle dynamics.

This opportunity is embedded in the interdisciplinary NCCR GENESIS programme, which brings together researchers in Climate Science, Physics, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Chemistry, and Biology. The role also connects with the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research and offers collaboration with internationally recognised experts.

Research themes include targeted climate simulations, Earth system configurations across Earth history, atmospheric composition, continental configurations, orbital forcing, climate-biosphere interactions, and analysis of large climate and biogeochemical datasets.

Eligibility highlights: a Master’s degree in Climate Science, Physics, Oceanography, Atmospheric Dynamics, Earth Sciences, or a related field; experience in climate modelling; programming skills; ability to analyse large datasets; knowledge of climate systems and global biogeochemical cycles is advantageous; strong English communication skills.

Funding: fully funded four-year PhD position with salary and employment conditions according to University of Bern standards.

Deadline: applications are reviewed from 10 August 2026 and the position remains open until filled. Preferred start date is October 2026 or by agreement.

How to apply: submit a single PDF containing a motivation letter, CV, MSc certificates with evaluations, a web link to the Master’s thesis if available, and contact details of two referees. Send the application to Prof. Thomas Frölicher at [email protected].