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The Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) is Germany’s largest research centre studying all aspects of freshwater ecology and inland fisheries. Through joint professorships the IGB is closely linked to all three universities in Berlin. For the Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture at IGB Berlin at Müggelsee we are inviting applications for as position as fisheries scientist with a focus on recreational fisheries. The position is available as of January, 1, 2027 until June, 30, 2029, subject to the final funding and project approval.

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated colleague to examine the effectiveness of live sonar echosounding technology on catch rate, size and behaviour of fish captured by recreational anglers targeting zander and pike in deep lakes. The project involves extensive field work together with experimental anglers as citizen scientists. At IGB, you join the IFishMan research group led by Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghaus (https://www.ifishman.de/en/). A fully equipped live sonar research boat is available along with other key field equipment, vehicles etc.

Your tasks

  • Execution of boat angling experiments in lakes in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
  • Recruitment and coordination of experimental anglers, fishers, technicians and student helpers
  • Statistical data analysis and data visualization
  • Writing of publications and development of presentations and other content delivered to scientific and lay audiences
  • Writing of project reports (in German)
  • Project administration and coordination

Requirements

Mandatory

  • M.Sc. in fisheries, biology, environmental science or a related field
  • Organizational competencies in managing field teams
  • Ability to conduct prolonged fieldwork under variable weather conditions, including occasional weekend work with anglers
  • Advanced statistical competencies (preferably in R) as documented in scientific publications or your master thesis
  • Advanced German/English communication skills (C1 or higher); German required to verbally communicate with German-speaking stakeholders and for reporting to funders
  • German fishing license (or equivalent)
  • German driver license (or equivalent)
  • Personal experience with recreational angling for predators

Highly desirable

  • Own experience with live sonar boat angling for predators
  • German boat driving license for inland waters at time of job commencement

Our offer

We offer an interesting position in a leading, highly dynamic and stimulating scientific environment and working group (IFishMan).

Beyond its scientific value, the project results will likely generate substantial public interest among anglers and fisheries managers, perhaps even influencing policy making as regards to live sonar use.

Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund) at a pay grade of E13, which includes social benefits and 31 paid holidays per year. The fixed term position involves a full-time position with 39 working hours per week, part-time work (75%) is negotiable. We offer a maximum of two home office days per week. The position is a fixed-term project-funded position, limited to 2.5 years.

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

We welcome every qualified application irrespective of gender, religion, nationality etc. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application by October, 11, 2026  with the following documents compiled in one single combined PDF (max. 2 page cover letter and motivational statement outlining your fit to the requirements and interest in the position, CV including publication and presentation list, key certificates (copies), one key publication of yours with relevance to the job or if not available your master thesis, contact details including email address and telephone number of up to three references). Please state the job reference number 18/2026 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed to Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghaus by e-mail (robert.arlinghaus@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