PhD Candidate in AI Methods for Hydro-Climatic Extremes (GENAI-X Project) Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Germany

The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena, Germany, is offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of AI Methods for Hydro-Climatic Extremes as part of the GENAI-X project. This interdisciplinary research opportunity is embedded within the ELLIS Unit Jena and focuses on developing robust machine learning models for non-stationary environmental systems, specifically targeting flood-related processes under changing climatic and land-surface conditions.

The GENAI-X project, funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, brings together experts from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, MPI-BGC, Jena University Hospital, and the Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function. The project aims to address the challenge of AI generalizability in dynamic environmental regimes, with a strong emphasis on hydro-climatic extremes and their impacts. The successful candidate will contribute to the flood-related subproject, developing hybrid and data-driven approaches to improve the generalization of machine learning models for flood occurrence and response.

Key responsibilities include developing ML models for dynamic, non-stationary processes, integrating data-driven methods with hydrologic process representations, improving model generalizability across climatic regimes (including rare and extreme events), quantifying flood risk, and enhancing early warning predictability in out-of-distribution conditions such as climate change and land cover changes. The candidate will also utilize explainable and causal ML techniques to analyze model behavior and driver effects, support benchmarking activities, and present results in publications and project communications.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Mathematics, Physics, Geoinformatics, or a related quantitative field. Candidates from environmental sciences are welcome if they have strong programming skills (preferably in Python). Experience with machine learning for time series, geospatial data, or dynamic models is required, and familiarity with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch) is ideal. Strong analytical and conceptual skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and excellent English communication skills are essential.

The position is full-time, fixed-term for three years, and is graded according to the TVöD Bund collective agreement. The anticipated start date is April 2026, subject to final funding approval. The Max Planck Society is committed to gender equality and diversity, and applications from women and severely disabled persons are especially encouraged. The vibrant city of Jena offers a dynamic student scene, diverse cultural life, and a beautiful natural setting.

To apply, submit your cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references as a single PDF (max. 10 MB) by email to [email protected] or by post to the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, quoting reference number 20/2025. The application deadline is January 3, 2026. For further inquiries, contact Shijie Jiang at the provided email address.