Background
Microplastics are increasingly detected in Arctic ecosystems, where they may interact with key zooplankton species, however, the biological effects of environmentally realistic microplastic concentrations remain poorly understood. Environmental stressors such as temperature changes or chemical pollutants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), can additionally and synergistically have adverse effects on marine biota and overarching ecosytem dynamics.
This project builds on previous experimental work within the Helmholtz Young Investigator Group Double-Trouble (Junior Research Group – AWI) and aims to investigate the physiological responses of Arctic copepods to microplastic exposure, potentially in concert with warming and/or the presence of PFAS. Plastic debris collected in the Arctic will be processed into microplastics, enabling experiments with environmentally relevant particle types
Your Tasks
- You will design laboratory exposure experiments based on your own research question
- Using plastic litter collected in the Arctic, you will make your own microplastics for experimental use (e.g. grinding, size fractionation and particle characterisation)
- You will conduct laboratory exposure experiments with key Arctic copepod species such as Calanus hyperboreus and Calanus finmarchicus
- Biological endpoints could include:
- Survival
- Reproduction
- Depletion of energy reserves
- Oxidative stress responses
- You will analyse and interpret your experimental data and present your findings in a written thesis and scientific presentation
Your Profile
- You are enrolled in a Master’s programme (e.g. Marine Biology, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Science, or related fields)
- You are interested in experimental ecology, Arctic ecosystems, environmental stressors and marine zooplankton
- You have good organisational and problem-solving skills
- You are able to work independently and carefully in a lab environment, to conduct long-term lab experiments, including working at variable, low temperatures and carrying heavy equipment
- You have experience with laboratory work; experience with live animal experiments is an advantage
- You are comfortable working in an international working group
Further Information
Start: August 2026
Duration: 6 months (extension or combination with additional work possible depending on university requirements)
Find out more here.