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The research group ‘Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics’ at the Department of Evolutionary and Integrative Ecology of IGB located in Berlin-Friedrichshagen at Lake Müggelsee is looking for a student assistant to contribute to a large-scale microcosm experiment starting earliest from 15/10/2024 and will last three months, with the possibility of prolonging the contract.

The microcosm experiment is part of a larger PhD project that got funded by the DFG Emmy Noether programme. Specifically, we want to test the interaction between ecological and evolutionary processes and how they shape community dynamics. In the current experiment, we will perform a community experiment, and evaluate whether species and genetic diversity affect community dynamics to environmental change. We use freshwater ciliates as a model organism, and use automated video-analysis to obtain density and trait measurements from our microcosms. You will contribute to the community experiment and the common garden experiments to assess evolutionary trait changes.

The position is part of a larger group within IGB, and the student will get the opportunity to interact with IGB scientists within and beyond the host group. The work can be combined with a master's research project or master's thesis.

Your tasks

  • Support large-scale microcosm experiment: your help will be needed during the preparation of the community and common garden experiment experiment, taking the measurements on high-intensity days, and cleaning of the community and common garden experiment. 

Your profile

  • Master student in Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology or related field
  • Proficient skill in pipetting, and working in a laboratory environment
  • High reliability and diligence
  • Eye for detail
  • Highly motivated
  • Being comfortable to communicate in English

Our offer

We offer an interesting student position in an international and dynamic scientific environment. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation.

The position will be paid with 13,69€ per hour. It is a part-time position (9h/week) with a flexible time schedule depending on the start of the experiment. The position is available initially from 15/10/2024 until end of 14/01/2025, but can be prolonged.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life.

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

Are you interested?

We are very much looking forward to receiving your application as soon as possible, the position will be held open until a suitable candidate has been found. Please send a cover letter addressing your experiences and reflections to the issues listed in ‘Your profile’, a short 1-page CV, and a proof of student status. Please state the job reference number 25/2024 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed to Lynn Govaert by e-mail (lynn.govaert@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