Scientist for marine fauna biodiversity analysis based on eDNA (d/m/f)

The Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) is a research institute located in Oldenburg. It researches marine biodiversity and its importance for the function of marine ecosystems. In doing so, it develops the scientific basis for marine nature conservation and ecosystem management. The HIFMB was founded in 2017 and is an institutional cooperation between the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), and the Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg.

Scientist for marine fauna biodiversity analysis based on eDNA (d/m/f)

Background
As part of the project, the marine fauna in North Sea marine protected areas (MPAs) and offshore wind farms is being analyzed. Over the course of a year, monthly water samples are taken from the wind farm and occasionally from the MPAs, and the diversity of marine vertebrates and invertebrates is analyzed using environmental DNA. The data will be examined for temporal and spatial patterns and published. The position involves sampling in offshore wind farms (including offshore training courses), organizing (preparing cruise proposals), implementing and participating in research cruises, water sampling and filtration, lab work, data analysis, presentation and publication of findings, as well as participation in workshops and conferences.

Tasks

• Preparation of cruise proposals
• Planning, organisation and realisation of research cruises
• Planning, organisation and realisation of water sampling for eDNA analysis
• Molecular genetic lab work: eDNA sample processing (DNA extraction)
• Sequence data processing and analysis
• Assignment of sequence data to marine vertebrate and invertebrate species
• Temporal and spatial analysis of biodiversity patters
• Coordination of eDNA samples (eDNA bioarchive)
• Preparation of reports and publications
• Presentation of results
• Participation in workshops and conferences

Requirements

• A master degree in natural sciences or related disciplines
• Knowledge and experience in analysing marine fauna using molecular genetic methods with a focus on environmental DNA
• Experience and expertise in:
  1. Planning, organisation and realisation of research cruises and water sampling for eDNA analysis
  2. eDNA sample processing (DNA extraction)
  3. Sequence data processing and analysis
  4. Preparation of reports and publications
  5. Presentation of results

Additional skills and knowledge

• Lab work regarding library preparation for sequencing
• Experience in the preparation of reports and publications in the field of environmental DNA research
• Experience in storing eDNA in bioarchives
• Taxonomic understanding of the marine fauna with focus on the North Sea

Further Information
For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr Silke Laakmann (silke.laakmann@hifmb.de; +49(471)4831-2566).

This full-time position is limited to December 31st, 2025. 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 Oldenburg.

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 and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular working hours
• health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
• 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 by September 22nd, 2024 exclusively online.
Reference number: 24/157/D/HIFMB-b