GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a foundation under public law jointly financed by the Federal Republic of Germany (90%) and the State of Schleswig-Holstein (10%). It is one of the internationally leading institutions in the field of marine research.
Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we contribute significantly to the preservation of the function and protection of the ocean for future generations.
The research unit Experimental Ecology of the research division Marine Ecology (PI Dr. Birte Matthiessen) is offering a position as a Scientist (m/f/d) “Cultivation of micoalgae of different types of phytoplankton for aquacultures”, starting on June 1st 2025.
Project Description
Due to the growing world population, there is an increasing demand for alternative and sustainable feed sources for aquaculture, which are not only rich in proteins but also in micronutrients such as essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins. Conventional feed and feed additives with these ingredients, such as fishmeal, are generally obtained in an unsustainable manner and contribute to overfishing of the world’s oceans. Phototrophic microalgae at the base of the marine food chain synthesize essential omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, which are subsequently enriched by being eaten by higher organisms. The aim of the project is to utilize these properties and to identify and cultivate different microalgae species that complement each other in their fatty acid, vitamin and protein profiles and, in the long term, to develop a fully-fledged and sustainable basic product for various feed-relevant applications.
Position
The candidate is going to be part of the joint project “PhytoComplement” of the partnering institutions GEOMAR, the University of Oldenburg and HanseGarnelen GmbH. This project is funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) through the Federal State Office for Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Development (LLnL)
Schleswig-Holstein. The partners aim to identify and cultivate a number of complementary types of microalgae and to test them as feed additives for White Tiger Shrimps.
Tasks include:
- Shared project coordination including supervision of technical assistant and student assistants
- Isolation and cultivation of microalgae using bioreactors and aquaria
- Coordination of chemical analyses of algae components (in-house and through third parties)
- Processing trials of microalgae
- Planning and conduction of feeding experiments in cooperation with the project partners and the technical assistant
- Data analyses and thorough data management
- Coordination of technology transfer into application
- Market analysis on microalgae-based feed for aquaculture and agriculture applications
- Communication of results between project partners
Qualifications:
Essential:
- Master degree in Biological Oceanography, Biology, Environmental Studies or related fields of study
- Experience in the cultivation of algae
- Experience in data analysis and data management
- Excellent organizational and communicative skills
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and to coordinate tasks
Preferred:
- Experience in experimental ecology and in conducting aquatic feeding experiments
- Scientific background in biochemistry and metabolic pathways
- Experience in market analyses
- Interest and knowledge in technology transfer
At a workplace, directly on the Kiel Fjord with many leisure and recreational opportunities, we offer you:
- Work in the field of marine and climate research, a forward-looking area with social significance
- An exciting and international work environment with the opportunity to provide important impetus for the development of sustainable solutions
- Support services for professional and personal life situations
- Good conditions for work-life balance: We offer, among other things, the possibility of mobile working and individual working time arrangements, vacation courses for the children of our employees, and good support in finding a place in a daycare center at the Kiel site
- International work environment
- 30 vacation days + additional time off at Christmas and New Year’s Eve
- Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits
The position is available for a funding period of two years. The envisioned start is June 2025.
The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class E13 (TVöD Bund) of the German tariff for public employees. This is a full-time position. The position can be split under the condition that the position is filled on a full-time basis.
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists and explicitly encourages qualified female academics to apply. GEOMAR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages scientists with disabilities to apply. Qualified disabled applicants will receive preference in the application process.
Please send your application for this post no later than April 6th 2025 under the following link: Online application
As soon as the selection procedure has finished, all your application data will be removed according to data protection regulation.
For further information regarding the position and research unit please contact Dr. Birte Matthiessen (bmatthiessen@geomar.de).
We will answer all your questions if you send us an e-mail to bewerbung@geomar.de. In doing so, please refer to the keyword “PhytoComplement”.
Learn more about this opportunity here.