PhD position: Chronobiology of foraminiferans and diatoms” – Deadline 28 June 2026

The Marine Chronobiology group of Dr Kristin Tessmar-Raible at AWI/UOL (https://uol.de/marine-chronobiologie) aims to broaden its investigations beyond animal species. Foraminiferans are key organisms in the carbon cycle with already scientifically documented possible lunar growth rhythms, yet even basic chronobiological investigations are missing. Given the currently ongoing climate changes, it is of critical importance to understand, which processes are driven by endogenous clocks and which by external environmental rhythms, as they respond differently to environmental change.

• Implementation of first experiments to document the existing internal and external rhythms of suitable foraminiferans (e.g. Heterostigina depressa) and the diatom symbionts on amolecular and behavioral level, including diel/circadian and lunar/circalunar periods
• Identification and investigation of putative light (sensory) receptors and (core clock?) genes that drive these rhythms
• Backup plan will include the chronobiological work on model diatom species, such as Phaeodactylum triconutum, with an experienced collaborator, as the work on foraminiferans involves many technical establishments

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in marine biology, molecular ecology, or related fields
• Experience in the work with foraminiferans both on a behavioral and molecular level
• Proficiency in the use of molecular and bioinformatic tools to produce and analyze gene expression and genomic data
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team
• Very good German and English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1)

• Contact in day-to-day work: collaboration mainly with more than 5 people
• Communication: almost equal share (internal/external)
  in the following ways

1. By telephone: frequently (daily or several times a week)
2. E-mail: frequently (daily or several times a week)
3. Video conferencing (e.g. Webex): frequently (daily or several times a week)
4. Personal contact in presence: frequently (daily or several times a week)

• Movement around the workplace: regularly over longer distances (e.g. other buildings)
• Business trips: occasional (several times a year)
• Expeditions: occur

Please note that the general conditions listed serve as a guide and may vary depending on the specific area of application.

For further information on the specific position, please reach out to Dr Kristin Tessmar-Raible (kristin.tessmar-raible@awi.de).
If you have any general questions about the application process, our Recruiting team will be glad to support you – please contact Elisabeth Wildt (bewerbungsmanagement@awi.de, +49 471 4831-2236).
In this overview you will find further contact persons for various matters.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66 %). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

• Excellent research environment with access to globally unique infrastructure, comprehensive datasets, and international expeditions
• Opportunity to develop and pursue independent scientific ideas and innovative research approaches addressing societally relevant questions
• Close scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation within the institute as well as with national and international partners
• An international working environment with daily interaction with colleagues from around the world
• Opportunities for professional and personal development
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working for up to 50% of regular working hours
• Annual special payment in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TVöD Bund)
• Occupational health promotion and company fitness programme with Hansefit
• Support services and an established culture promoting work–life balance, e.g. through our family office offering childcare services (e.g. holiday programmes) as well as advice on family and care responsibilities
• Occupational pension scheme (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, disabilities, 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 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 online only by June 3^rd, 2026. We kindly ask you to apply in English. No photo is required – we value your qualifications and experience.

Reference number: 26/55/G/Bio-b