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For the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology of the IGB at Lake Stechlin, we are looking for a scientist (f/m/x) as of 1st of October 2025, for a project using biochemical and molecular tools to evaluate the ecological role of AAP bacteria in aquatic systems.

The work is carried out as part of DFG funded AAP bacteria project “Eutrophication and AAP bacteria: Changes in the contribution of AAP bacteria to microbial dynamics and carbon cycling as a function of trophic status” which starts earliest in September 2025. The project aims at evaluating the changing role of AAP bacteria for carbon cycling along eutrophication gradients. We’ll focus on pelagic communities in various lakes of Northeastern Germany in relation to their trophic state and specific limnological features. The position is based at the IGB in Stechlin, Germany.

Your tasks

  • Laboratory analysis of planktonic AAP bacteria including shotgun metagenomics
  • Field sampling on various Northeastern German lakes
  • 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
  • Good knowledge of photoheterotrophic (AAP) bacteria
  • Knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical tools is needed
  • Statistics and network analyses experience is required
  • 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 part-time position (65%) limited to 36 months as part of the DFG project AAP bacteria in the period from earliest 01.10.2025 to 30.09.2028. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public service (65% E13 TVöD Bund). The position is principally suited for part-time work, but flexibility is necessary for extensive field work.

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. Severely 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 30.08.2025. Please state the job reference number 24/2025 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 400 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