Phd Student in Environmental and Climate Research

Ph.D. grants opportunity - Climate–Vegetation Interactions research

Location of the position: Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) & Bar Ilan University (BIU), Israel.
Starting date: as soon as possible

Description
We are looking for PhD candidates passionate about Climate Science and Earth system modeling.
You’ll work on cutting-edge projects exploring the interactions between vegetation and weather patterns using advanced simulation tools and large-scale datasets.

🌍 What You’ll Do

• Run and analyze global and regional climate model simulations.
• Study vegetation–climate feedback and land-atmosphere coupling through data.
• Work & collaborators with computational / earth science / Climate / Complex Networks scientists.
• Contribute to high-impact scientific publications and presentations.
  
  

Example of possible research projects can include
(a) Studying the effects of future extreme weather events on crops allocation.
(b) Studying the complex interactions between deserts and climate and in particular, how trees and vegetation in general affect climate.
(c) Studying the interactions between vegetation and clouds and if / how vegetation re-starts a cycle of cloud formation or in contrast, lack or vegetation enhances deserts.

Must-Have Qualifications

• A B.Sc. and M.Sc. (or equivalent first and second degrees) in Computer Science, Physics, Geophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, or related fields.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R, Fortran, or similar).
• Proven ability in Big data analysis, numerical modeling, or computational science.
• Willingness and ability to commute to Rishon LeZion 2–3 days per week.
• High technical proficiency and the ability to learn complex scientific tools.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in installing and running one or more NCAR simulation models—such as the Community Land Model (CLM), Community Earth System Model (CESM), the LPJmL Dynamic Global Vegetation Model, or other dynamic vegetation models (DVMs).
• Prior involvement in climate modeling, land–atmosphere interaction research, or Earth system simulations.
• Experience analyzing large-scale geospatial or environmental datasets.
• Background or interest in network science and its application to Earth systems (advantage).
• Published or co-authored work in scientific journals, ideally in climate-related disciplines.
• Motivation to present work at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed venues.
  
  

Salary and conditions

• The position is offered for 4 years. The estimated annual grants will be 96K-110K NIS (about 30K$). Source of funds: both ARO & BIU.
• Integrating in a large cross-institutional research group, including Weizmann, Bar Ilan, Ben Gurion and Volcani research Institute, thus learning from best in the field.
  
  

Responsibilities
Conduct research: read and understand scientific literature, run and manage climate models, analyze large, diverse and complex data sets, write results and findings in academic peer reviewed journals, attend and present results in conferences.

Application
For full consideration, please send a cover letter and CV by email with a title "CV for ARO-BIU climate Ph.D. position". If you have existing publications, please also add the list (or the publications) to your email.
Applications will be considered until the positions are filled.

For more information or applying for the position, please contact Dr. Alon Sela at [email protected] . The email title should be: "Climate–vegetation research in ARO" .

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