Technical Assistant (m/f/d)

The Department of Experimental Limnology is located north of Berlin on the shores of Lake Stechlin. Its research focuses on assessing the consequences of global environmental change on the biodiversity and processes of aquatic ecosystems. The dynamics of zooplankton, algae, bacteria and fungi in lakes receive particular attention. The analysis of long-term data, the development of ecological models and field experiments, especially in a large facility, the LakeLab in Lake Stechlin, are essential elements of the research conducted in the department. The knowledge gained in our research is used to devise concepts and methods that foster the sustainable management of lakes in the light of rapidly proceeding environmental change.

To strengthen the team we are looking for a highly motivated

Technical Assistant (m/f/d)

to participate in research on the ecology of plankton.

The primary responsibility is the taxonomic analysis of mesozooplankton, but also of microzooplankton and phytoplankton, using both traditional light microscopy and novel image-based approaches, including artificial intelligence. Routine taxonomic analyses of plankton are a large portion of the work. Participation in experiments and field sampling is also expected. The position is planned to start on March 1, 2022.

Key responsibilities

• Identification and counting of zooplankton in samples from long-term monitoring programs of IGB and other projects, especially experiments in IGB’s LakeLab, using microscopy and image-based systems in both the laboratory and field
• Maintenance of the corresponding documentation
• Application and adaptation of new automated image-based methods (automated zooplankton scanner and in situ profiling systems instruments, FlowCam) and artificial intelligence
• Handling of electronic field probes and profilers
• Participation in LakeLab experiments and other field work
• Responsibility for the day-to-day organization and administration of the zooplankton laboratory, including communication with service providers and companies
• Technical supervision of shared laboratory equipment including briefing of researchers and students, data processing and transfer to the IGB database

Your profile

• Completed training as biological, chemical or medical technical assistant (BTA/CTA/MTA) or comparable qualification
• Pertinent taxonomic knowledge and the willingness to receive further training in the taxonomy particularly of zooplankton
• Experience with light microscopy and image-based field and laboratory techniques
• High work ethics, reliability, flexibility, motivation and enthusiasm to learn and explore new areas
• Willingness to work independently as well as in changing teams
• Excellent communication skills in German and good English skills
• Interest in the ecology of aquatic ecosystems
• Positive professional attitude in a multicultural research environment
• Experience with an academic environment

Our offer

We offer work in a motivated and international team where a pleasant and trustful working atmosphere is valued. This is a part-time position with 19.5 working hours per week. Initially this is a fixed-term position limited to 2 years, but we aim at creating a permanent position. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund).

IGB fosters career development of staff by providing qualification and training opportunities. A healthy work-life balance is actively supported. Applicants are treated equally irrespective of gender. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application including a cover letter specifying your motivation, qualifications and experiences, CV, certificates, and contact details for 1-2 references by November 25, 2021.

Please state the job reference number 38/2021 and apply only on our recruitment platform www.igb- berlin.de/en/jobs . Questions can be directed to Dr. Jens Nejstgaard by e-mail (nejstgaard(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 an internationally leading 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. 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 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