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The Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) cordially invites applications for the position of a PhD student in phytoplankton ecology. The position in the Department of Community and Ecosystem Ecology is available from March 1, 2023 and limited to three years.

The work is carried out as part of a multidisciplinary project investigating the environmental catastrophe in the Oder River of August 2022 (ODER-SO) funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) (subject to the final approval of funds). The project monitors and analyzes 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. 

The subproject will study preconditions of growth and toxin production of the algal strain responsible for the disaster last autumn in order to better understand and forecast such harmful algal blooms. Of special relevance is the cooperation with subprojects studying genome, gene expression and toxicity of P. parvum. The work will be conducted in an international team, using well-equipped laboratories and the infrastructure of a leading institute.

Your tasks

  • Study of the ecophysiology of specific strains of P. parvum
  • Lab experiments to measure growth and toxin production at relevant combinations of environmental conditions
  • Analysis of factors triggering toxin production
  • Cooperation in the identification of toxin marker genes, in expression measurements and in population modeling
  • Data evaluation, publication and presentation of results in scientific journals and at conferences

 

Your profile

  • University degree in biology, preferential in plant physiology, microbiology or aquatic ecology
  • Advanced skills in statistical methods (mixed-effect models, preferably in R)
  • Good command in English (and preferably also in German)

 

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. Intensive supervision and training are guaranteed.

Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public service (TVöD Bund). It is a 75% position limited to three years.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life. Applicants are treated equally regardless of gender. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application with the usual documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, 2 references) by 20.02.2023. Please state the job reference number 07/2023 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs. Questions can be directed to Dr. Jan Köhler (jan.koehler@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. www.igb-berlin.de