Background
Environmental changes such as warming and alterations of dissolved nutrient concentrations, but also extreme events such as heatwaves, place planktonic organisms under enormous pressure by changing the conditions in which they live. To study these processes and gain a deeper understanding of the influence of global change on the role phytoplankton play in coastal systems, we are searching for an enthusiastic postdoctoral candidate, who will investigate the physiological, ecological, or adaptive responses of these organisms to environmental changes. This AWI-funded position offers freedom to you to explore your own ideas in this exciting field of research. This may include, but is not limited to, the influence of heatwaves on phytoplankton metabolism and potential oxidative stress, the impact of multiple stressors on population dynamics, or long-term community changes in coastal zones.
Our facilities offer a large array of potential experiments, ranging from tightly-controlled small-scale laboratory experiments in some of our 20 temperature-controlled rooms to study physiological processes, to large-scale mesocosm experiments to study community responses to global change. You will also have the chance to study long-term shifts in phytoplankton dynamics using the unique time-series data of Helgoland Roads.
We wish to draw your attention to the “PostDoc in “The impact of climate change on zooplankton” currently advertised. Both phytoplankton and zooplankton scientists are expected to work in close collaboration.
Your Tasks
Carry out innovative and ground-breaking research in plankton ecology, for example by:
- Isolating plankton from field samples and conduct eco-physiological experiments
- Conducting mesocosm experiments to study the influence of global change on plankton communities
- Linking the outcome from these experiments to long-term shifts in plankton dynamics in the field
- Evaluating complex datasets, and present research results to experts and non-experts (scientific journals, conferences, workshops)
Your Profile
- PhD degree (or equivalent) in aquatic sciences
- Strong background in plankton ecology, good knowledge of coastal plankton dynamics
- Working experience with experimental ecology including plankton culturing
- Willingness to work as part of a team
- Very good English knowledge (C1)
Further Information
For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr Cédric Meunier (Cedric.Meunier@awi.de; +49(4725)819-3143)
This is a full-time position, limited to 3 years. It is also suitable for part-time employment. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (100 %). The place of employment will be Helgoland.
Postdocs have to register with AWI’s postdoc office PROCEED, thereby gaining access to a set of tailor-made career development tools.
The AWI is characterized by
- our scientific success – excellent research
- collaboration and cooperation – intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
- opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
- an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
- flexible working hours
- health promotion
- support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
- occupational pension provision (VBL)
AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.
Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.
AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.
We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a 2-pages research plan (3) CV and copies of relevant certificates (PhD degree; training), (4) at least two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references and (5) a list of publications, by January 22nd, 2025 exclusively online.
Reference number: 24/208/G/Bio-b
Find out more information about this opportunity here.