Thomas Frölicher

PhD opportunity in Earth system modelling of climate tipping points at the University of Bern , within the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research and the Climate and Environmental Physics Division . The project is part of the newly established NCCR CLIM+ and is embedded in an active ocean modelling team. The research focuses on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) , climate system extremes, the carbon cycle response to a potential future collapse of the AMOC, and interactions with other tipping elements. The successful candidate will design, run, and analyze targeted experiments using a state-of-the-art fully coupled Earth system model. This PhD is a strong fit for candidates interested in climate science , Earth science , physics , oceanography , and computational modelling. Desired skills include climate modelling, programming, and large dataset analysis. Knowledge of the ocean, global carbon cycle, and tipping point research is an advantage, and excellent English communication skills are required. The position is funded for four years , with salary and employment conditions according to the standards of the University of Bern. The post offers collaboration with leading experts in climate science and tipping points, opportunities to present at national and international conferences, and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Application details: submit one PDF including a motivation letter, CV, MSc certificates with evaluations, a link to the Master’s thesis if available, and contact details for two referees. Applications should be sent to Prof. Thomas Frölicher. Review begins on 2026-05-01 and continues until the position is filled. Preferred start date is August 2026 or by agreement.

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] .