Background
The first focus of the advertised position is on the build-up of a culture system for copepods (Calanus finmarchicus), including a phytoplankton food-culture. The second focus is on the establishment of an incubation setup in which the swimming behavior of the copepods can be filmed and then quantified.
The working group investigates the internal clocks and the control of rhythms in copepods. The tiny crustaceans have a key role in the food webs of the open ocean, and they perform daily and seasonal vertical migrations during which they show complex changes in physiology and gene activity. The position will be localized in the AWI section “Polar Biological Oceanography”.
Your Tasks
- Build-up and maintain a culture system for the copepod Calanus finmarchicus within the recirculated water system of the AWI aquarium facility.
- Build-up and maintain a phytoplankton culture (Rhodomonas baltica, Dunaliella tertiolecta) as afood source for the copepods.
- Establishment an incubation setup in a temperature-controlled closet where copepod behavior can be filmed with (infrared-) cameras under simulated cycles of light, temperature, and oxygen.
- At the beginning oft he contract period, a visit to the existing Calanus finmarchicus culture in Trondheim, Norway is planned.
Your Profile
- Degree in engineering or comparable, especially with regard to aquaculture.
- Experience in the following fields (as many as possible):
o Establishment of incubation systems for marine animals (especially zooplankton).
o Culture of phytoplankton (as food).
o Video recording setups for behavioral observations.
- Motivation to familiarize yourself with a new topic (marine chronobiology).
- Good English language skills.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
- Experience in oxygen/respiration measurements in marine animals.
- Experience in computer-based video analysis (e.g., via Deep-Learning).
Further Information
For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr. Sören Häfker (soeren.haefker@awi.de; +49(471)4831-2360).
This is a full-time position, limited to 29 months. 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 12. The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.
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 and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
- 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.
We strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the advertised position at AWI to reduce the underrepresentation of women.
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 by November 3rd, 2024, exclusively online.
Reference number: 24/171/D/Bio-b
Find further information about this opportunity via this link.