Data Scientist (m/f/d)

The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena is dedicated to interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of Earth system sciences with a focus on climate and ecosystems. The internationally renowned institute, which currently employs around 230 people, will celebrate its 25^th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions and a modern university, but it also has a beautiful natural setting in the green Saale valley with steep limestone slopes. The city of Jena has an active student scene and a diverse cultural life. We are looking for a Data Scientist (m/f/d) in full-time for 24 months with possibility of extension.

Background and position description

The Ecosystem Function from Earth Observation (EFEO) group of the Biogeochemical Integration department is opening a position for a remote sensing expert within the scope of the CoForFunc project, whose specific focus is on the Congo Basin Forest (CBF). Through a unique European research partnership and transnational collaborations with Central African country experts, the CoForFunc project aims at developing an integrated approach for the monitoring of tree functional diversity of the CBF to support biome-scale assessment of their vulnerability to expected climate change and human-induced transformations. The position is within a project work package dedicated towards providing a better understanding of Ecosystem Functional Properties (EFPs) from space in a challenging environment. The objective is to explore innovative uses of various types of coarse resolution satellite data to both circumvent instrumental artifacts of medium and high spatial resolution sensors and develop novel ways to map biome-scale forest functional properties.

Your tasks

• Design and apply a methodology to characterize tropical forest phenology over the CBF from hourly geostationary satellite time series of optical vegetation indices and compare with both ground/proximal data and high spatial resolution imagery
• Explore the possibility to upscale water status and structural traits to satellite RS in microwave frequencies over selected areas in the CBF
• Explore the possibility to extract photosynthetic traits over the CBF from sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence retrieved from space
• Lead and contribute to scientific publications on the subject
• Assume responsibilities on project reporting and deliverables

Your profile

• Strong background in Environmental/Earth system science, ecology, environmental engineering, geography or a related field, ideally with a PhD in such field
• Strong experience in satellite remote sensing, particularly for variables related to plant physiology, functional diversity, ecology and ecosystem-level plant traits
• Strong programming skill in a modern language for data analysis (Python, Julia, R)
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English, and good communication
• Experience in linking the ground observations to coarse satellite pixels is an asset
• Strong experience in satellite-based sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is an asset
• Experience with geostationary satellite imagery is an asset

Our offer

• Work in the attractive international environment of an interdisciplinary research institute of the Max Planck Society as well as in a friendly and team-oriented working environment
• Participation in a strongly interdisciplinary and international research project focused on tropical African forest ecosystems
• Potential opportunity to do some fieldwork in tropical forests in Africa

Part-time work is generally possible. The position will be evaluated and graded following the collective agreement according to TVöD Bund; in addition, we will provide a pension plan based on the public service (VBL).
The Max Planck Society (MPS) strives for gender equality and diversity. The MPS aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all fields. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.

Your application:

If you have any questions, please contact Gregory Duveiller (gduveiller@bgc-jena.mpg.de). Are you interested? Please send us your application with cover letter, curriculum vitae as well a s names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by e-mail to  bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de or to the

Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
Personalbüro: Kennwort „Data Scientist”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena

by October 22, 2024, quoting the reference number 19/2024. We ask that you do not use application folders, but only submit copies, as your documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the application process has been completed.
We look forward to receiving your application!