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The Department of Community and Ecosystem Ecology of the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin invites applications for the position of a tenure track group leader with expertise in freshwater ecosystem modelling and long-term data analysis for an immediate start. The department conducts research aimed at understanding the response of freshwater communities and ecosystems to global change, partly based on a long-term monitoring program maintained in a shallow river-connected lake. This position fits in the strategic development of IGB to empower its capacity for predictive ecology, through an improved understanding of the structure and functioning of freshwater systems, informing projections on future scenarios and its implications for the distribution and abundance of organisms, and for using mechanistic insights to optimize management and conservation of freshwater ecosystems.

We look forward to recruiting a creative and dedicated scientist combining strong expertise in modelling and analysis of long-term data sets to investigate the responses of lakes and rivers to global change and ecosystem restoration. A major focus is on effects of climate and land-use change on the abundance and community composition of primary producers, food-web interactions and the functioning of freshwater ecosystems. Collaborative and integrative research is strongly encouraged at IGB, as is engagement and leadership in national and international networks.

Your role

  • Developing a new independent research group combining innovative approaches in freshwater ecosystem modelling and time-series analysis to forecast the future of freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and services.
  • Contribute to the organization of IGB’s long-term monitoring program on Lake Müggelsee, including supervision of the automated monitoring station and the technical staff in charge.
  • Interacting with stakeholders to support the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems.
  • Creative and collaborative integration into IGB’s research activities and proactively contributing to IGB’s commitment to open science.

Your profile

  • Doctoral degree in biology, ecology, aquatic or environmental sciences, or related field.
  • Excellent expertise in modelling freshwater ecosystems with a focus on biotic components and interactions.
  • Experience with long-term data analysis (incl. time-series analysis) and a strong capacity to link up with experimental researchers or co-design experimental work to test model outcomes or provide input data for modelling is an asset.
  • Specific knowledge on one or more groups of planktonic and/or benthic freshwater organisms is an asset.
  • A strong publication and project acquisition track record commensurate with career stage.
  • Experience in research supervision commensurate with career stage.
  • Excellent English language skills for oral and written communication; willingness to learn German for stakeholder interaction is expected.
  • Enthusiasm for working and collaborating in a team of freshwater scientists from diverse backgrounds.

Our offer

We offer an interesting position with a long-term perspective according to IGB’s tenure-track guidelines  in an international and dynamic scientific environment. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation. We allow maximum individual freedom, enabling everyone to develop and use their creativity to the best of their abilities.

The position is full-time. Salary is paid in accordance with the German public sector pay scale (TVöD Bund E14). We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life. The IGB strives to reach gender equality through several supportive measures, some of which are especially targeted to female tenure track and tenured researchers.

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. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applications from women are particularly welcome. Disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file, including a motivation letter, complete CV, a statement on your vision for research (including links to other IGB research groups; max 3 pages) and on how to foster diversity and gender equality in your team (1 page max), publication list, copies of relevant degrees and contact details of three references by 29.01.2025. Please apply exclusively via our recruitment platform, stating the job reference number 50/2024. Any questions can be directed to Sabine Hilt (sabine.hilt@igb-berlin.de) or Sonja Jähnig (sonja.jaehnig@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