About the Position
The Pierre-Simon Laplace Institute (IPSL) in Paris, France, invites applications for a fully funded postdoctoral position focused on the calibration of a lightweight configuration of the IPSL Earth System Model using paleoclimatic constraints. This 18-month fixed-term contract offers an exciting opportunity for early-career researchers with a PhD in Earth System Science, Climate Physics, or Computational Modelling. The role involves combining numerical modelling, statistical and AI approaches, and palaeoclimatic data assimilation to enhance the understanding of climate variability, especially in tropical regions. The successful candidate will contribute to large-scale climate simulations and collaborate with international partners, ensuring the integration of research outcomes into the ARCHIVES project and the broader PEPR-TRACCS programme.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher – Climate Model Calibration
- Host Institution: Pierre-Simon Laplace Institute (IPSL), LOCEAN Laboratory, Sorbonne University
- Location: Paris, France
- Research Field(s): Earth System Science, Palaeoclimatology, Climate Modelling, Computational Science
- Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Full-Time
- Level: Early-Career
- Fellowship Duration: 18 months
- Expected Start Date: 10 February 2026
- Working Hours: Full-Time
- Funding/Compensation: €3,131–€4,342 gross per month, access to high-performance computing facilities
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD in Earth System Science, Climate Physics, Computational Modelling, or related field
Supported Research Areas
- Palaeoclimatology and proxy data assimilation
- Climate physics and ocean–atmosphere coupled dynamics
- Numerical modelling and applied mathematics/AI
- Large-scale climate simulations and high-performance computing
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in relevant fields (Earth System Science, Climate Physics, Computational Modelling)
- 1–4 years post-PhD experience
- Strong programming skills (Fortran, Python) and Linux/Unix proficiency
- Experience with high-performance computing and large datasets
- Excellent English communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- In-depth knowledge of tropical climate variability
- Experience in paleoclimatic data assimilation and proxy modelling
- Familiarity with benchmarking frameworks for climate models
- Strong collaboration and publication record
Not Eligible:
- Candidates without a PhD
- Applicants lacking relevant computational or climate modelling experience
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- Monthly salary: €3,131–€4,342 gross
- Access to national and dedicated high-performance computing resources
- Collaboration with a dynamic, international scientific team
- Opportunities for publications, conferences, and professional development
Key Responsibilities
- Calibrate IPSL Earth System Model parameters using paleoclimatic data
- Perform and analyse global and regional climate simulations
- Develop numerical and AI solutions for model-data convergence
- Collaborate with IPSL model developers and international partners
- Contribute to publications and disseminate research results within ARCHIVES/PEPR-TRACCS
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application via the IPSL recruitment portal, ensuring your candidate profile is fully completed before submission.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter detailing research plans, career goals, and contribution to the project
- Curriculum vitae
- PhD diploma and proof of qualifications
- Research proposal (800–1,000 words) with budget and dissemination plan
- 1–2 writing samples (e.g., dissertation chapter, published or submitted article)
- Recommendation letters (2)
- Letter of support from the proposed host institution and/or supervisors
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 19 December 2025
- Deadline: 9 January 2026, 23:59 Paris Time
- Expected Start Date: 10 February 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Pierre-Simon Laplace Institute – Climate Sciences
- Official Notifications: Click here
- IPSL Career Portal: click here
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