Eco-hydrological Modeller in urban systems (m/f/d)

The research group “Landscape Ecohydrology” in the Department of Ecohydrology & Biogeochemistry of IGB in Berlin (Friedrichshagen) is inviting applications for the position of a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (24 months, fulltime with less % possible) starting from 1.10.2022. The position is part of the BiodivERsA-funded project BiNatUr which aims to quantify the role of biodiversity and its linkages with ecosystem services in urban aquatic ecosystems. The overall goal of BiNatUr is to improve the planning, building, restoration, and management of nature-based solutions in urban aquatic ecosystems, supporting the transformation to climate-smart, biodiversity-friendly, and sustainable cities. BiNatUr is an international project with partners in Lisbon, Antwerp, Poznań and Helsinki. The aim of this postdoc position is to quantify and characterize regulating ecosystem services of selected water bodies serving as nature-based solution by using an integrated tracer approach of stable water isotopes (deuterium, oxygen) and eDNA. We will examine the integrated effects of water sources and pathways of urban waters, and will quantify the direct and indirect effects of hydrological processes on urban biodiversity. The position also aims to quantify the resilience of small urban water bodies (streams and lakes) while assessing how hydrological limitations affect their suitability as habitat for aquatic biota.

We seek a dynamic, motivated and ambitious scientist to join an existing interdisciplinary science and modelling team on Landscape Ecohydrology to support the evolution and growth of coupled hydrological-ecohydrological modelling in urban systems. It is expected that the modelling will utilise existing data sets from instrumented research sites across Berlin. The successful candidate will have experience in the development and application of numerical models for different purposes, across various scales and environmental science contexts. The successful candidate should be experienced in combining process-based (hydrological) understanding with strong numerical/computational skills. Experience with programming is essential. Expertise in remote sensing & data assimilation and/or incorporation of tracers into hydrological models would be advantageous. Access to high-performance computer clusters is available to facilitate use and development of “state of the art” research models.

Your tasks

• Integrated analysis of stable water isotopes and eDNA samples
• Applying a tracer-aided modelling framework to assess the effects of aquatic nature-based solutions on biodiversity
• Estimating ecohydrological boundary conditions of urban aquatic nature-based solutions

Your profile

• A PhD or equivalent (or being close to receiving a PhD) in hydrology or a related field of environmental science or engineering
• Excellent programming and numerical skills
• Experience in the development and application of numerical models at various scales and different environmental science contexts
• A strong publication record in internationally leading journals (commensurate with career stage)
• Strong English language skills both in oral and written communication
• Good potential for research co-supervision (MSc, PhDs)
• Ability to work in a team environment

Other advantageous attributes might include:

• Experience in multi-criteria calibration and working within uncertainty frameworks
• Experience incorporating tracers into hydrological models
• Experience with stable isotope tracer or eDNA
• Experience of working in interdisciplinary research projects
• Evidence of successful research collaboration with national and international researchers and stakeholders

Our offer

Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund). It is a full-time position with 39 working hours per week. The position is available from 1.10.2022 and limited to 24 months. We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life. Applicants are treated equally regardless of gender. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

The IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome every application, regardless of gender and gender identity, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and physical disabilities, age or sexual orientation.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application with the usual documents (cover letter, CV, at least 2 reference letters or contact details for 2 referees) by June 24th 2022. Please state the job reference number 11/2022 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs .

Questions can be directed to Professor Dörthe Tetzlaff by d.tetzlaff(at)igb-berlin.de .

“Research for the future of our freshwaters” is the mission of the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB). The IGB is Germany’s largest and one of the leading international research centres for freshwaters. We seek to understand the fundamental processes governing freshwaters and their communities. Our research findings help to tackle global environmental changes and to develop measures for sustainable water management. The IGB is a diverse and inspiring place to work and conduct research. We promote individual development at every career level and stand for lively exchange and cooperation. IGB closely collaborates with numerous national and international universities and other partners in science and society and is a member of the Leibniz Association , which connects 96 independent public research institutes in Germany.

www.igb-berlin.de