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For the project “Lake Issyk-Kul Environmental Laboratory” (LILA) we are inviting applications for a  part-time  project coordinator  starting  as of  1-March-2023 with a duration of 12 months. The person will coordinate the project and will develop the concept, ensure dependable planning of the laboratory and setting up a limnological monitoring program, will coordinate purchasing the required equipment and training of the local lab executive in performing a state-of-the-art lab management. The proposed project aims at establishing a jointly maintained Kyrgyz-German environmental research and education laboratory at the shore of one of the world’s largest alpine clear-water lake, i.e. Issyk-Kul, as a basis for: (i) continuous monitoring of selected water quality and ecological parameters, (ii) education and training of under- and postgraduates in environmental research, (iii) performing international research on climate change, high-altitude hydrology, limnology, and ecology of alpine aquatic systems, (iv) providing a urgently needed research station as a platform for future national and international research projects of Issyk-Kul. In the long-term run, the laboratory should act as a permanently functioning research and education centre resulting in knowledge exchange on environmental sciences between Germany and Central Asian countries; providing ecological expertise and dissemination of information on anthropogenic impact (i.e. growing tourism, agriculture and gold mining) and climate-driven variability of Issyk-Kul and the surrounding alpine region of Tian-Shan; creating a link between scientists and local governmental agencies aimed to ensure coordinated elaboration and implementation of adaptation measures and environmental strategies to better guide future development of land use at the shore and in the watershed areas of the lake.

 

Your tasks:

  • Planning and implementation of the laboratory analytical program
  • Coordination of the laboratory equipment purchase and organisation of its transportation to Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan)
  • Introducing the local Kyrgyz partners into the methods of laboratory analysis
  • Teaching and supervision of the first laboratory experiments in Cholpon-Ata
  • Preparation and coordination of a Kyrgyz-German bilateral workshop on environmental research

Your profile

  • An MSc degree or equivalent in environmental sciences, aquatic biology, limnology, or a related field. A PhD in one of these fields based on field and laboratory studies will be of advantage.
  • Knowledge of principles of environmental monitoring and laboratory analysis. Experience with limnological laboratory and field methods is desirable.
  • High mobility and communication skills. Ability to travel between Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Germany. Background in international research, especially with Central Asian countries is desirable.
  • Oral and written skills in German and Russian languages is required, knowledge of English and Kyrgyz is of advantage.

Our offer

This is a 50% position with 12 months duration. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (50% TVöD-13). Participation in this project offers a life-time experience at unique Lake Issyk-Kul and landscape of Tian-Shan.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. 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 (letter of motivation indicating research interests and experience, CV, certificates/references, publication list) by 15. Feb. 2023. Please state the job reference number 06/2023 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed to Hans-Peter Grossart by phone (+49 033082 69991) or by e-mail (hgrossart@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, 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 96 independent public research institutes in Germany. www.igb-berlin.de