Waterways are complex aquatic systems. The Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), located within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV), contributes to making them sustainable and efficient. As the federal scientific institute for research, assessment, and consultation in the fields of hydrology, water use, water quality, ecology, and water protection, it advises the BMDV, other federal ministries, the Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV), and third parties. At the BfG, dedicated individuals from various disciplines work in a modern equipped working environment.
The Federal Institute of Hydrology is part of a career network spanning 357,582 km², comprising over 40 authorities with approximately 24,000 employees. More information at https://www.damit-alles-läuft.de
The Federal Institute of Hydrology is looking for a candidate for the Department G3 “Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology” starting from August 1, 2024, Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology (University Diploma, Master’s degree) Disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences or an equivalent degree. The place of employment is Koblenz. Reference code of the job posting 20240811.
The Department G3 is tasked with identifying the effects and risks of pollutants on the aquatic organisms, particularly in federal German waterways. The results attained contribute to reducing or avoiding the negative impacts of pollutants. To achieve this, the department investigates the effects of chemicals on model cell cultures and organisms in vitro and in vivo, ranging from algae to zebrafish, as well as the uptake (bioavailability) and accumulation of pollutants. This includes both individual substances and mixtures as found in water, sediments, and biota.
Based on modern laboratory equipment, the highly motivated team of the Department G3 develops innovative methods in the field of ecotoxicology and bioanalysis. One particular expertise of the Department G3, for example, is the development of planar in vitro biotest systems and molecular biological analytical methods, such as in the field of meta-transcriptomics, for the environmental assessment of pollutants. Furthermore, the department develops models to predict the effects at the molecular level of individual substances and mixtures.
The results of the work lead to recommendations for environmentally friendly actions and sustainable water management. They are taken into account, for example, relocations of dredged material in federal waterways or the environmental assessment of water construction materials. Additionally, the department contributes to the national and international standardization (DIN, ISO) of newly developed ecotoxicological assessment methods. Its scientific work is published in specialized journals and presented at international conferences.
The Department G3 primarily works on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) and subordinate authorities such as the Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV). The Department G3 is a project partner in various EU-funded research projects and additionally handles a large number of research and development projects financed and scientifically supported by public project sponsors.
This is what we need you for:
- Leading the Department G3 with over 30 highly motivated staff members
- Development and establishment of ecotoxicological test methods for the assessment of water and sediment samples as well as eluates from building materials
- Development of EDA (Effect-Directed Analysis) methods for identifying toxic pollutants in the aquatic environment
- Development of molecular biological analysis methods
- Development of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) for specific trace pollutants
- National and international standardization of ecotoxicological test methods
- Development of concepts for assessing substance risks in water bodies
- Development of models for the prospective assessment of ecotoxicological effects of individual substances and pollutant mixtures
- Applying for and processing research project proposals (e.g., BMBF, EU)
- Supervision of doctoral candidates
- Consulting ministries (especially BMDV and BMUV), WSV, and specialized authorities regarding ecotoxicological issues
- Expert opinions and evaluations on the effects of pollutants
Your profile:
These are the qualifications you should definitely possess:
- Completed university degree (University Diploma, Master’s) in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or equivalent qualification
These would be desirable:
- Good knowledge in personnel management
- High social competence
- Longstanding experience in the field of ecotoxicology and molecular biological analysis methods
- Experience in leading national and international working groups
- Experience with national and international research projects
- Good knowledge of occupational health and safety (risk assessments, instructions, biological hazards, safety in genetic engineering)
- Extensive experience in leading national and international working groups
- Extensive experience in managing national and international research projects
- Excellent command of the German and English language, both written and spoken
- Representative demeanor and assertiveness
We offer:
You will be paid in accordance with TVöD pay group E 15. We also offer additional benefits in accordance with the TVöD Bund. You will receive induction training from an experienced team as well as needs-orientated further and advanced training.
Special notes:
You can look forward to a well-equipped working environment with an innovative team as well as interesting professional challenges. The collectively agreed weekly working time is currently 19.5 hours.
We offer our employees individualized working time arrangements as well as part-time and flextime in order to consider the compatibility of work and family interests. If the prerequisites are met, there is the option of flexible local working on the basis of a service agreement. A parent-child workroom is available in the event of childcare bottlenecks. We actively promote the health of our employees by offering health programmes. Training and further education is adapted to the individually identified needs.
The post is generally suitable for part-time employees.
Applications from women are expressly encouraged. Women with equal qualifications will be given preferential consideration in accordance with § 8 BGleiG.
Severely disabled persons with equal professional qualifications will be given preference. Only a minimum level of physical aptitude is required.
We welcome applications from people of all nationalities.
If you have obtained a foreign educational qualification, please enclose proof of recognition of the qualification by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs with your application documents. The selection is made by a committee.
Do you feel addressed?
Then please apply by 01.05.2024 via the electronic application procedure (EBV) on the entry page.
Please enter the reference code above.
Please upload your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV, diploma/​master’s/​bachelor’s/​vocational training certificate and certificate, or career qualification certificate and work references/​appraisals, as well as school leaving certificate) as an attachment to your candidate profile.
In addition, please enter your relevant degree in your candidate profile under “Ausbildung/​Abschlüsse” and your employers of the last 5 years or the last 3 employers (including your current employer) under “Berufserfahrungen”.
Contact person:
For further information on the area of responsibility, please contact Prof. Dr Thomas Ternes, Tel.: 0261 1306‑5560, or Dr Arne Wick, Tel.: 0261 1306‑5408.
For further information on this opportunity follow this link.