As part of the French-German collaborative project ‘BLIC – Phytoplankton Blooms “Like It Colorful”’, jointly funded by The French Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG; German Research Foundation), the research group ‘Theoretical Ecology’ at the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology of IGB invites applications for a 1.5 years Postdoc position on modelling phytoplankton bloom dynamics with the option of a prolongation for another 1.5 years at our partner institution, Université de Bretagne Occidentale Brest, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM/UBO), France.
You are interested in ecological theory, in trait-based ecology and the role of biodiversity in shaping community dynamics? You are familiar with ecological modelling techniques? You like close interaction between empiricists and theoreticians? Then join our international and interdisciplinary team of plankton ecologists. Your main task will be the development and analysis of trait-based dynamic models to provide predictions on the likelihood of bloom formation and its dependence on phytoplankton diversity considering trait-based differences in intra- and inter-trophic biotic interactions. The project not only bridges theory and empiry, but also links freshwater and marine biology. It involves excellent collaborative partners at the Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Germany as well as the Université de Bretagne Occidentale Brest, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, France. Scientific exchange within the project will be fostered by regular project meetings as well as by participation in the preparation and conduction of mesocosm experiments at both partner institutions. The experimental results will allow a comparison with theoretical predictions and thereby the validation of underlying assumptions. Your primary working place will be located at the shore of Lake Stechlin 80km North of Berlin.
Your tasks
- Development and analysis of trait-based differential equation models
- Close collaboration and scientific exchange with other team members
- Contribution of ideas to the project’s development
- Assistance in the preparation and conduction of mesocosm experiments
- Comparison between model predictions and experimental results
- Preparation of manuscripts as first author for submission to high impact journals
- Presentations of results at national and international conferences
Your profile
- PhD in Theoretical Biology, Mathematics, Physics or a related field
- Experience with modelling techniques using differential equations (in Matlab, R, or Phython)
- Experience in dynamic food web modelling, and/or trait-based modelling approaches is an advantage
- High interest in community response patterns, biodiversity, plankton or microbial communities, as well as transient dynamics
- Willingness to help in field work
- The working language of the working group and within the project is English, and very good reading, writing (including scientific writing) and speaking skills are required
- Engaged person with a team-spirit
Our offer
We offer an exciting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment including excellent equipment and technical support. Close collaboration between excellent research institutes in Germany and France. The position is envisioned for a total of 3 years, the here advertised first 1.5 years you would be employed at the IGB, the second 1.5 years at the Université de Bretagne Occidentale Brest (IUEM/UBO), France. The earliest starting date is 1st of May 2023. Salary for the employment at IGB is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (100% E13 TVöD Bund).
The IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome every application, regardless of gender and gender identity, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and physical disabilities, age or sexual orientation.
Qualified individuals of minority groups as well as women are especially encouraged to apply. IGB strives to increase their share in this career level. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.
We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life.
Are you interested?
We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file including 1-page motivation letter, CV, publication list, bachelor, master, PhD and other relevant certificates, and information of 2-3 references by 28.02.2023. Please state the job reference number 04/2023 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform here.
Questions can be directed to Sabine Wollrab by phone (+49 33082 699-26) or by e-mail (sabine.wollrab@igb-berlin.de).
Further information can be found here.