Researcher Position Fungal Monitoring (m/f/x)

For the EU-Biodiversa+ project " MostFun: Monitoring Strategies and Tools to address knowledge gaps on aquatic Fungal biodiversity" with partners from Sweden, Estonia, Switzerland, Italy and Portugal as well as IUCN, we are inviting applications for a scientist position at IGB in Stechlin starting latest on 1st April 2024 with a duration 28 months (Postdoc) or 36 months (PhD candidate).

The project focusses on the assessment of fungal diversity and function to improve current monitoring strategies and tools for conserve and restore aquatic fungal (AF) biodiversity and functions. MoSTFun aims to reduce knowledge gaps on geographic and temporal distributions, and genetic diversity of AF through sampling and by paving the way for their integration in routine monitoring programmes. With extensive sampling campaigns, MoSTFun will test and develop novel monitoring programs in understudied ecosystems, especially glacial and periglacial systems, estuaries, and coastal waters, and fill gaps in AF biodiversity knowledge and methodology. The successful candidate will join the “Aquatic Microbial Ecology” group, located in Stechlin, ~80 km north of Berlin.

Your tasks

• Conducting field samplings and experiments to assess diversity and functionality of aquatic fungi in understudied areas
• Develop and evaluate monitoring tools including bioinformatic analyses of amplicon as well as shotgun metagenomic data
• Statistical analyses of fungal data from field sampling and lab experiments
• Publication of results in scientific journals and presentation at conferences
• Coordination with project partners for assessment and improvement of monitoring tools
• Communicate with IUCN and stakeholder, e.g. organization of a workshop, etc.

Your profile

• A master and/ or PhD degree in biology, genetics, bioinformatics or related fields
• Good knowledge in Bioinformatics and fungal ecology
• Demonstrated experience in molecular/genomic work 
• Ability to perform advanced bioinformatic analyses
• Strong statistics and bioinformatic skills
• Programming skills are highly beneficial
• Communication skills (for exchange with stakeholders) is beneficial
• Collaborative team-worker
• Good communication skills in English, including scientific writing; publication experience commensurate with career stage

Our offer

We offer an exciting position in an international and dynamic team of researcher, and an attractive scientific working environment including excellent equipment and technical support. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation. Your

career development is fostered by qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life . The IGB is committed to diversity. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applications from women and members of minority groups are particularly welcome. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

This is a fulltime postdoc position for 28 months or a PhD position for 36 months. The start date is latest on 01.04.2024. This position is generally suited for part time work. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector for postdoctoral research (E13 TVöD Bund, PhD candidate: 80%). Working language at IGB is English.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application with the usual documents (letter of motivation indicating research interests and experience, CV with publication list, certificates, contact details of at least 2 referees) by 15.01.2024. Please state the job reference number 65/2023 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs . Enquiries can be directed to Prof. Hans-Peter Grossart at hanspeter.grossart(at)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 350 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is an institute of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. www.igb-berlin.de