The Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) is inviting applications for a Masters student in the field of phytoplankton ecology for the earliest possible start date. The research for the Master thesis will be conducted in the Department of Community and Ecosystem Ecology in Berlin-Friedrichshagen.
IGB is the largest research centre for inland waters in Germany. With over 300 employees and guests from all over the world, we investigate the fundamental processes in water bodies and their biotic communities. You will be involved in a project investigating the costs and benefits of dinitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria and the ecosystem consequences, and aims to better understand the dynamics of diazotrophic cyanobacteria in nitrogen-limited aquatic ecosystems. The work will particularly focus on Lake Müggelsee, for which there are extensive historical records of phytoplankton and nutrient dynamics. We will undertake a series of experiments which will better inform our understanding of this dataset, in particular the thresholds of environmental variables that promote dinitrogen fixation and heterocyst production by different cyanobacterial species. This work will further inform a field-scale biogeochemical model produced by collaborators at Technical University Berlin.
We seek a dynamic and motivated Masters student with experience in a biological laboratory and an interest in phytoplankton ecology to support the project by undertaking these tasks. The work will be conducted in an international team (including research technicians and students), using well-equipped laboratories and the infrastructure of a leading institute.
Master thesis in phytoplankton ecology (m/f/x)
Your tasks
- Carry out lab culture experiments with cyanobacteria
• Determine how dissolved nitrogen, light and other parameters impact dinitrogen fixation and heterocyst formation in cyanobacteria
• Utilize isotope labelling techniques to better understand nitrogen fluxes in Lake Müggelsee
• Analyse and interpret data
• Assist with preparation of manuscripts for publication
Your profile
- Undergraduate qualification in biology, life sciences, biotechnology or similar.
- Experience cultivating microorganisms is preferred
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Are proactive and show initiative
- Can contribute to a collaborative research team
- Good command of English
Our offer
We offer an intense supervision and integration into an international, predominantly young working group. You will have the chance to learn about new methods and ideas in an interdisciplinary and dynamic scientific environment. We allow maximum individual freedom, enabling everyone to develop and use their creativity to the best of their abilities.
The IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation 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, contact information for 2 references or 1 reference letter) by 09.05.2024. Please state the job reference number 15/2024 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Jordan Facey (jordan.facey@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. 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
