Postdoctoral Researcher

Job posting (Bio 04-2023)

The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) invites applications for a position as a

                                        Postdoctoral Researcher

at the Department of Biological Oceanography with a research focus on marine fungi (mycoplankton) and biogeochemistry.

The fixed-term position will start at the earliest date possible and continue for two years (full-time, 40 hours per week). Remuneration is paid according to the collective agreement of the public sector (TV-L EG 13, 100%). The possibility of working part-time is given, with a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Who are we?

The IOW is an independent research institute of the Leibniz Association for which equal opportunities, family friendliness, and worklife balance are very important. Our research focus is on the coastal and marginal seas, especially the Baltic Sea. The staff of our four sections Physical Oceanography and Instrumentation, Marine Chemistry, Biological Oceanography, and Marine Geology works interdisciplinary within a joint research program.

What will be your tasks?

Marine microbial communities consist of diverse living entities that interact with each other in multifarious ways, thereby regulating global biogeochemical cycles. We offer a Postdoc position to research microbial interactions between fungi, phytoplankton, and bacteria within plankton communities. The methodology will span from single-cell to mesoscale flux measurements using biogeochemical, microbiological, and molecular tools. Potential tools include stable-isotope incubations, mass spectrometry, cell culturing, microscopy (incl. CARD-FISH), sequencing and bioinformatics, and nutrient analyses, which will be applied on laboratory-grown cocultures and field-sampled communities. The candidate will be responsible for the experimental work in the laboratory and in the field as well as for the sample analyses, computational data analyses, and, finally, drafting the novel findings for submission to peer-reviewed journals. Implementing ideas from the candidate is welcomed to further advance the

project and the candidate’s career.

The position will be associated with a Junior Research Group funded by the German Research Foundation (Emmy Noether Program) and focuses on microbe-driven element cycling in aquatic environments. The research project will involve collaborations with both national and international scientists.

What qualifications should you bring?

We seek a candidate with an excellent MSc. degree, Ph.D. degree and publication record in Biological Oceanography, Earth System Science, Aquatic Microbiology,

Geomicrobiology, or related fields. Good communication skills in English (oral and written) are a prerequisite. We further welcome the ability to conduct experimental work in the laboratory and the field, experience with the relevant methodologies, and knowledge of aquatic biogeochemical cycles, microbial ecology and microplankton communities. The ideal candidate demonstrates a high degree of self-dependent and self-driven working and, notably, a growth mindset and excellent interpersonal and team-minded skills. A broad interest in interdisciplinary science is greatly appreciated, as the project will embrace biological, chemical, and physical aspects. In conclusion, we are looking for an applicant with excellent skills in experimental work, sample and data

analyses, teamwork, and scientific writing and communication.

How to apply?

Please submit the following information and documents (in English) with your

application

• Contact details
• Cover letter (1 page) explaining the candidate’s work experience, job motivation, interests, and fit to our research group. The answer to the question below should also be included in the cover letter.
• Research statement (0.5 pages) outlining potential work that the candidate wishes to conduct if selected for the announced position.
• Curriculum Vitae (2 pages) including the contact details of two reference persons
• Degree certificates confirming that the applicant meets the formal qualifications
• Scientific text(s) in English written mainly by the candidate (e.g., Ph.D. thesis, peer-reviewed publication). If available, a web link to the thesis and/or publication(s) is sufficient.

We look forward to receiving your application, quoting the keyword Bio 04-2023 until Nov 19th, 2023 (as a merged pdf) to [email protected] or Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Human Resources Department,

Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, Germany

The interviews are planned to take place in December 2023.

What does the IOW offer?

The IOW offers you a varied workplace near the Baltic Sea with flexible working

arrangements, e.g. the possibility of working from home or remotely and a  company health management. A very good infrastructure, with modern laboratory and office equipment including our own research vessel, forms the framework for the best working conditions.

How do we promote equal opportunities?

Our job offers are aimed at all people regardless of their gender. Research benefits from a diverse working environment, which is why we have signed the Diversity Charter. IOW aims to specifically promote women in areas where they are underrepresented. For this purpose, the institute has given itself a plan to promote equality and has repeatedly been awarded the Total E-Quality award for its commitment (website TOTAL E-QUALITY e. V. ) Female applicants are given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability if the position belongs to a working group in which women are underrepresented. You can find an overview of our measures for equal opportunities and for improving the compatibility of work and family on our website .

We give preference to applications from disabled persons with equal professional and personal suitability. Please mention the disability or equality in your letter of application and enclose a copy of the relevant certificate.

For further information, please email the project leader Isabell Klawonn , or visit our laboratory website .

We look forward to receiving your application.

https://www.io-warnemuende.de