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For the Department of Community and Ecosystem Ecology of IGB in Berlin- Friedrichshagen at Lake Müggelsee, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher starting as of 15.04.2023, for our PLATON project focussing on the ecology of toxic cyanobacteria that are associated with submerged plants. Regional field sampling and a global survey will be combined with laboratory experiments and (molecular) genetic analyses of macrophyte-associated cyanobacteria and their toxins. A larger interdisciplinary project proposal on this topic is currently under review and may start later in 2023.

Your tasks

  • Field sampling of benthic cyanobacteria associated with macrophytes in different lakes

  • Cultivation of macrophytes with associated cyanobacteria

  • Laboratory experiments

  • Analyses of macrophyte-associated microorganisms using various molecular techniques

  • Analyses of anatoxin production

  • Bioinformatics and statistical analyses

Your profile

  • PhD degree in biology, microbiology, genetics or similar

  • Experience in culturing aquatic organisms

  • Experience in DNA metagenomics and amplicon sequencing would be desirable

  • Experience in data analysis and scientific publication

  • Ability to work in a team, good command in English

  • Drivers licence

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (E13 TVöD Bund). It is a full-time position with 39 working hours per week and principally suited for job sharing or part-time work with at least 25 h/week. The position is available initially for 14 months but an extension to 24 months or even longer is highly likely. Part of the laboratory work will be carried out at the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) in Berlin.

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. Qualified women and qualified individuals of minority groups 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 containing a cover letter explaining your motivation and fit to the profile, CV and reference letters (or contact details of two referees if not readily available) in one pdf by 28.02.2023. Please state the job reference number 15/2023 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed to PD Dr. Sabine Hilt by phone (+49 30 64181677) or by e-mail (sabine.hilt@igb-berlin.de).

"Research for the future of our freshwaters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unit a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. We train undergraduate and graduate students, promote young researchers at early career stages, and support the professional development of our employees in all areas. We foster an atmosphere that promotes diversity as well as family-friendly conditions. 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 is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. www.igb-berlin.de