GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a foundation under public law jointly financed by the Federal Republic of Germany (90%) and the State of Schleswig-Holstein (10%). It is one of the internationally leading institutions in the field of marine research.
Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we contribute significantly to the preservation of the function and protection of the ocean for future generations.
The research unit Marine Evolutionary Ecology of the research division Marine Ecology (PI Prof. Thorsten Reusch) is offering the following position. The employment is for four years at 75% of a full contract, the desired starting date is 1 May 2025. The position offers the possibility to attain a doctoral degree in natural sciences.
Background and Project Description
The position is embedded into the German ANK (\\"Aktionsprogramm Natürlicher Klimaschutz\\") funded project ZOBLUC - Zostera as Blue Carbon Ecosystem. The successful candidate will work within a consortium coordinated by GEOMAR that also comprises groups at Kiel University and at the State Agency for Environment of Schleswig Holstein (LfU). The primary goal of ZOBLUC is to upscale mapping, monitoring, restoration techniques and stakeholder involvement for eelgrass (Zostera marina) conservation and restoration in the south-western Baltic Sea. The specific aim of the advertised position is to characterize regional eelgrass (Zostera marina) populations in a seascape genomics approach. Among the specific tasks are (i) characterizing populations using full genome resequencing (ii) combine population genomic data with available ocean dispersal models (iii) correlate genetic structure with environmental parameters in an environmental association study (iv) project the effects of future environmental change on local eelgrass survival using genomic offset analyses. The successful candidate will closely collaborate with a postdoctoral fellow addressing “Seagrass Assisted Evolution” within the same project, as well as with two other doctoral students working on eelgrass conservation. Our team comprises a scientific diving group that will assist in obtaining samples. Access to infrastructure required to conduct large-scale omics analyses such as sequencing and high-performance computing is available, as well as state-of-the art experimental facilities with running seawater. Requirements for a successful application are:
MSc-degree (or equivalent) in biology, genetics, ecology, marine sciences, or in a related subject
experience in population genetics and genomics
knowledge in evolutionary biology
experience with omic approaches including bioinformatic scripting
proficiency in English (written and spoken)
Desirable qualifications would be:
scientific publications based on the MSc thesis
experience in landscape or seascape genomics
experience in seagrass ecology and evolution
knowledge in marine nature conservation regulation and management
scientific diving license
At GEOMAR, located directly at Kiel Fjord with many leisure and recreational opportunities, we offer:
An exciting and international work environment with the opportunity to provide important impetus for the development of sustainable solutions
Integration into a network of seagrass researchers and into the European seagrass restoration science community
Work in the field of marine restoration, a forward-looking area with social significance
Good conditions for work-life balance: We offer, among other things, the possibility of mobile working and individual working time arrangements, vacation courses for the children of our employees, and good support in finding a place in a daycare center at the Kiel site
Support services for professional and personal life situations
Exciting topics in an international environment
Work in the field of marine and climate research, a forward-looking area with social significance
30 vacation days + additional time off at Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits
The position is 75% of a full-time position (full time: 39 hrs/week) and will be available for a period of four years. The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class 13 TVöD-Bund of the German tariff for public employees. The position cannot be split. Flexible working time models are possible.
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists and explicitly encourages qualified female academics to apply. GEOMAR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages scientists with disabilities to apply. Qualified disabled applicants will receive preference in the application process.