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For the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology of the IGB at Lake Stechlin, we are looking for a postdoc (f/m/x) as of 15th of April 2025, for a project using biochemical and molecular tools to evaluate the ecological role of prokaryotic and microeukaryotic communities.

The work is carried out as part of DFG funded LakeLink project “Linkages between near-shore hydrodynamics and biological production mediate responses of a large, oligotrophic alpine lake (Issyk-Kul) to climatic drivers” which starts earliest in April 2025. LakeLink aims at establishing quantitative links between physical processes and benthic production at the bottom slope to gain a general mechanistic understanding on responses of large, oligotrophic alpine lakes to climate change. We’ll focus on benthic communities at the bottom slope, which may be critical for primary production and hence C-cycling in deep oligotrophic lakes. Water-sediment exchange of dissolved and suspended substances in dependence on physical processes such as internal waves, near-bottom gravity currents, and upwellings will be studied. The position is based at the IGB in Stechlin, Germany.

Your tasks

  •        Laboratory analysis of planktonic and benthic microorganisms including shotgun metagenomics
  •         Field sampling on Lake Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan
  •         Bioinformatic and statistical analyses
  •         Relate environmental variables to microbial dynamics
  •         Field and lab experiments
  •         Contributions to IGB’s scientific activities and publications

Your profile

  •       PhD degree in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or similar
  •       Good knowledge of molecular biology, e.g. DNA metagenomics
  •       Knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical tools is needed
  •       Programming and network analyses experience is useful
  •       Experience in data analysis and scientific publication
  •       Ability to work in a team, good English communication skills
  •       A driver licence is useful

Our offer

We offer an exciting and versatile job in an international, dynamic, scientific working environment with opportunities for flexible working hours and mobile working. Also, intensive exchange and networking with IGB scientists is ensured by frequent meetings.

This is a full-time position limited to 36 months as part of the DFG project LakeLink in the period from earliest 15.04.2025 to 14.04.2028. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public service (100% E13 TVöD Bund). The position is principally suited for job sharing or part-time work, but flexibility is necessary for extensive field work abroad.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and many 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. 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 including a cover letter that details your motivation to study for a PhD and your fit to the profile, a CV, and contact information for 2-3 references in a single pdf file by 31.03.2025 (or until enough suitable candidates are found). Please state the job reference number 02/2025 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed by email to Hans-Peter Grossart (hanspeter.grossart@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