Postdoc in "The Impact of Climate Change on Zooplankton" (m/d/f)
AWI - Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
Helgoland, Germany
Background

Environmental changes place planktonic organisms under enormous pressure by changing the conditions in which they live. To study these processes and gain a deeper understanding of the influence of global change on the role zooplankton play in coastal systems, we are searching an enthusiastic postdoctoral candidate, who will investigate the physiological, ecological, or adaptive responses of these organisms to environmental changes. This AWI-funded position offers freedom to the candidates to explore their own ideas in this exciting field of research. This may include, but is not limited to, Nutritional Thermal Ecology, the influence of heatwaves on zooplankton physiology, the impact of multiple stressors on population dynamics, or long-term community changes in coastal zones.

Our facilities offer a large array of potential experiments, ranging from tightly-controlled small-scale laboratory experiments in some of our 20 temperature-controlled rooms to study physiological processes, to large-scale mesocosm experiments to study community responses to global change. We also host “Helgoland Roads”, which is one of the longest and richest long-term ecological time series.

Since this position is not bound to a specific project and offers scientific freedom, we request you to submit a 2-pages research proposal as part of your application.

Your Tasks

• Develop novel research in the field of zooplankton ecology and climate change;
• Carry out innovative and ground-breaking research in experimental ecology and/or in long-term time series analyses;
• Evaluate complex datasets, and present research results to experts and non-experts (scientific journals, conferences, workshops).

Your Profile

• PhD degree (or equivalent) in aquatic sciences;
• Strong background in plankton ecology, good knowledge of coastal plankton dynamics;
• Working experience with experimental ecology including plankton culturing;
• Strong communication skills in English language, both written and oral (approximately equivalent to CEFR level B2).

Further Information

For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr Cédric Meunier (Cedric.Meunier@awi.de; +49(4725)819-3143).

This is a full-time position, limited to three years. The expected starting date is October 1st, or soonest thereafter. It is also suitable for part-time employment. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13. The place of employment will be Helgoland.

Postdocs have to register with AWI's postdoc office PROCEED, thereby gaining access to a set of tailor-made career development tools.

The AWI is characterized by

• our scientific success - excellent research;
• collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary;
• opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions;
• an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world;
• flexible working hours;
• health promotion and company fitness;
• support services and a culture of reconciling work and family;
• occupational pension provision (VBL).

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.

We look forward to your application!

Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a 2-pages research plan (3) CV and copies of relevant certificates (PhD degree; training), (4) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references and (5) a list of publications, by July 15th, 2025, exclusively online.

Reference number: 25/69/G/Bio-b