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For the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology of the IGB at Lake Stechlin, we are looking for a PhD student (f/m/x) as of 1st of May 2023, for a project using metagenomics to follow spatial and temporal changes in prokaryotic and microeukaryotic (fungi & protists) diversity.

The work is carried out as part of a multidisciplinary project investigating the environmental catastrophe in the Oder River of August 2022 (ODER-SO) which is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN). The ODER-SO project monitors and analyses algal and pollutant loads, documents the status and recovery of populations of multiple organism groups, carries out precautionary studies on potential future poisoning events, and investigates the ecological role of floodplains in multiple development scenarios. The overall aim of ODER-SO is to provide a broad knowledge base for the integrative management of coupled river-floodplain ecosystems, enabling more precise analyses and forecasts of river status that can form the basis for preventive measures against the harmful effects of algal blooms.

Your tasks

  • Laboratory analysis of planktonic and benthic microorganisms using shotgun metagenomics
  • Field sampling on the Oder river
  • Bioinformatic and statistical analyses, e.g. interaction networks
  • Relate environmental variables to microbial dynamics
  • Laboratory experiments
  • Contributions to the overall scientific activities, publications and communication activities of the ODER-SO project

Your profile

  • Master’s degree in biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or similar
  • Good knowledge of molecular biology, especially DNA metagenomics
  • Knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical tools is needed
  • Programming and network analyses experience is useful
  • Experience in data analysis and scientific publication is useful
  • Ability to work in a team, good English communication skills
  • A driver licence is useful

Our offer

We offer an exciting and versatile job in an international, dynamic, scientific working environment with opportunities for flexible working hours and mobile working.

This is a full-time position limited to 36 months as part of the BfN project ODER-SO in the period from 1 May 2023 to 30 April 2026. Salary is paid according to the German (PhD) salary scheme for the public service (75% E13 TVöD Bund).

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities.

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. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application including a cover letter that details your motivation to study for a PhD and your fit to the profile, a CV, and contact information for 2-3 references in a single pdf file by 15.03.2023 (or until enough suitable candidates are found). Please state the job reference number 10/2023 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed by email to Hans-Peter Grossart (hanspeter.grossart@igb-berlin.de) and Michael Monaghan (michael.monaghan@igb-berlin.de).

“Research for the future of our freshwaters” is the mission of the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB).The IGB is Germany’s largest and one of the leading international research centres for freshwaters. We seek to understand the fundamental processes governing freshwaters and their communities. Our research findings help to tackle global environmental changes and to develop measures for sustainable water management. The IGB is a diverse and inspiring place to work and conduct research. We promote individual development at every career level and stand for lively exchange and cooperation. With more than 350 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB closely collaborates with numerous national and international universities and other partners in science and society and is a member of the Leibniz Association, which connects 97 independent public research institutes in Germany. www.igb-berlin.de