EMBL seeks a postdoctoral researcher in the context of the new transversal research theme Planetary Biology which aims to understand, from the molecular to the population level, how micro- and macroorganisms respond to each other and to their environment and what the effects are that they and their relationships have on their ecosystems. The TREC (Transversing European Coastlines) project is a large and highly collaborative endeavor that EMBL is coordinating together with other EMBL member states’ scientists and institutions. This flagship project aims to sample and study the coastal land-water interface along the European coastlines to monitor the local and global human footprint on oceans, seas, and estuaries, with regard to urbanization, agriculture, coastal exploitation, various forms of contamination as well as impacts of climate change. The postdoctoral researcher will assist in the preparatory phase of TREC by assembling historical data from satellites, validate the water quality retrievals and, once TREC is underway, participate in some data collection activities, and generation of match-ups with satellites.

This position is ideally suited for an applicant who:

  • Enjoys working in interdisciplinary groups of various sizes.
  • Is self driven and has good time management skills.
  • Has very good problem-solving capabilities.

Your role

  • Starting from the available satellite-based data products in the Copernicus Marine Service, prepare a climatology of water quality properties around the TREC sites selected all around the European coast, to assist in planning the collection of data in TREC and generating the context for their interpretation.
  • Use appropriate coastal ecosystems satellite products to guide the TREC expedition in real time, and help sampling key ocean features.
  • Validate the water quality measurement with in-situ measurements,gathering of the historical in-situ measurements from local and national agencies when possible.
  • Lead the writing of papers associated with optical properties and its relation to water quality along the European coast and validation of remote-sensing estimates of water quality algorithms.
Apply now

Closing date: 5 October 2022

You have

  • PhD in Oceanography or another physical science;
  • Big data and programming skills;
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as proficiency in English (both written and oral).

You might also have

  • Experience analyzing and processing of ocean color remote sensing data.
  • Experience participating in field work on boats.
  • Experience with  biological and optical oceanography data.

Why join us

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organization with a very collegial and family friendly working environment. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation, including your family.

What else you need to know

An initial contract of 18 months duration will be offered to the successful candidate. This can be extended depending on circumstances at the time of the review to two years.

We are Europe’s flagship research laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation performing scientific research in disciplines including molecular biology, physics, chemistry and computer science. We are an international, innovative and interdisciplinary laboratory with more than 1700 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.

The position will be based in Rome and the work will be done in collaboration with Drs. Vittorio Brando from CNR-ISMAR, David Doxaran from IMEV and Emmanuel Boss from the University of Maine.

Our mission is to offer vital services in training scientists, students and visitors at all levels; to develop new instruments and methods in the life sciences and actively engage in technology transfer activities, and to integrate European life science research.

For questions or issues with the application process, please contact recruitment@embl.org.

Further information can be found in this link.