Postdoctoral Researcher (gn)

The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research GmbH (www.leibniz-zmt.de ) is an independent research and teaching institute that provides scientific knowledge for the protection and sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems. To this end, we work in an inter- and transdisciplinary manner with our partners in the tropics. The ZMT is a member of the Leibniz Association.

Marine biodiversity plays a critical role for food security and income in many coastal countries. The diversity and status of species in the open ocean are currently insufficiently recorded. The MOOBYF project (Monitoring the Open-Ocean BiodiversitY with Fishers; 01.03.2024 – 28.02.2027) will work with fishers in the Indian Ocean (Indonesia, Maldives and Mayotte) to develop systems for monitoring biodiversity in the open ocean. In cooperation with fishers, anchored Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) will be used as scientific observation platforms for the first time, and innovative observation technology is being combined with the use of artificial intelligence to identify species. Based on the local knowledge of the fishermen, integrated biodiversity indicators will be created. For this inter- and transdisciplinary part of MOOBYF, we are inviting (subject to release of funds) applications for a

Postdoctoral Researcher (gn)

(Reference: 4-MOOBYF)

The postdoctoral researcher will dedicate 50% of their work time to the MOOBYF project, in close collaboration with its international research team, particularly with WP leads Dr. Sebastian Ferse and Dr. Annette Breckwoldt. Three specific objectives will be tackled: 1. Providing integrated inter- and transdisciplinary methods and tools for monitoring pelagic biodiversity. 2. Producing indicators of tropical pelagic biodiversity that are relevant for its conservation and sustainable management. 3. Involving fishers as major players for the monitoring of pelagic biodiversity and its sustainable exploitation.

Your tasks:

The postdoc will mainly be involved in WP 1 (fishers’ engagement) - facilitating the collaboration and knowledge transfer between fishers and scientists, in close relationship with the other project WPs - and WP 6 (fishers’ knowledge). The candidate will work with additional project scientists (PIs Breckwoldt and Ferse, a PhD candidate working in Indonesia, and MSc candidates working in the Maldives and Mayotte) and coordinate activities across the research locations.

Requirements:

• PhD (or be about to earn one) in a social science discipline, preferably in geography, anthropology or political ecology, while interdisciplinary, social-ecological backgrounds are also an option,
• skills in literature review as well as in data collection and analysis (of both qualitative and quantitative data),
• skills to independently conduct a variety of stakeholder interviews and workshops,
• very good writing and communication skills in English,
• be ready to join and integrate in an inspiring international and interdisciplinary research environment,
• ability to work independently, while being an active member of a team and diligently participating in collective work, particularly maintaining a close dialogue between fishing communities and scientists from diverse disciplines,
• acknowledge fishers as co-researchers of this participatory approach,
• a strong interest in working on/in the Indian Ocean region,
• experience with engagement corridors and two-way knowledge exchange for the co-production of knowledge and inter- and transdisciplinary methods, specifically targeted towards the integration of stakeholders and experts (e.g. mental maps, participatory modelling, citizen-science approaches),
• Experience with fishery data and management is beneficial.

Furthermore, applicants will agree and be able to:

• be based in Bremen, Germany; and
• conduct fieldwork in the Maldives and Mayotte (and possibly Indonesia; to be defined), including work with local coastal fishing communities in rural contexts and with fishers on (their) boats.

This unique research opportunity will include field investigations that will mainly draw on ethnographic methodologies, especially non-participant and participant observation and qualitative interviews in selected sites, and the development of platform solutions for knowledge exchange among different stakeholders (fishers, scientists, managers). The postdoctoral research fellow will also gain valuable project management experiences by assisting the principal investigators in tasks related to the general coordination of the project, such as:

• the organization of the meetings and the final conference,
• the storage and handling of the project’s data,
• the production of mid-project and final reports; and
• the joint publication of inter- and transdisciplinary research.

Desirable qualifications and requirements:

French and/or German language(s) proficiency would be appreciated, but is not required.

Prior fieldwork experience in tropical countries will be preferred.

Further information:

For questions please contact Annette Breckwoldt, email: annette.breckwoldt(at)leibniz-zmt.de or Sebastian Ferse, email: sebastian.ferse(at)leibniz-zmt.de .

Details of position:

Salary will be paid according to the German TV-L (EG 13). The position is available for part-time (50 % of a full-time position) employment starting as soon as possible for 36 months. ZMT is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with a migration background are welcome. Persons with severe disabilities are given special consideration if they have the same professional and personal qualifications. The ZMT values its diverse workforce and pursues the goal of providing equal opportunity, which incorporates gender neutrality (gn). We will be happy to accept your documents without a photo.

We offer:

• A challenging and varied job in an international, dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment
• A motivated and committed team from different countries and cultures
• An open and cooperative working atmosphere
• Opportunities for personal and professional development
• Interesting, varied and challenging tasks and family-friendly working conditions
• Company pension plan (VBL)
• Company health promotion and the opportunity to participate in company fitness with EGYM Wellpass

Submission of application:

Please submit a cover letter, CV, summary of your PhD project(s)/dissertation(s), the names of two referees; letters of recommendation are also welcome. Please submityour application by 29.03.2024as a single pdf file with the reference number “4-MOOBYF” to Ms. Carina Seemann, email: bewerbung(at)leibniz-zmt.de .

Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheitstraße 6, D-28359 Bremen.

www.leibniz-zmt.de