24 PhD Full Funded Positions in Marine Biology, Marine Chemistry, Botany, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Ecophysiology or a related field at Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre in Germany

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state government. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry and geophysics thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.

We are hiring a talented 24 PhD students in Marine Biology, Marine Chemistry, Botany, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Ecophysiology or a related field:

1 – PhD position (m/f/d) for modelling the influence of management measures on food web functions on the Sylt Outer Reef:

Background
In the framework of the second phase of the pilot mission “MGF-Nordsee” of the German Alliance for Marine Research, we are looking for reinforcement for our team in the field of aquatic food web models, marine habitats and the function of coastal ecosystems.

Food web models are a useful tool to explore the long-term effects of management measures on ecosystem structure and function. In the marine protected area “Sylt Outer Reef” of the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the North Sea, different fishery measures are planned. We will investigate the potential effects using a food web model approach. The tasks include the development and analysis of scenario-based, dynamic food web models of the protected area Sylt Outer Reef.

Tasks

Development of a spatially-resolved food web model of the protected area Sylt Outer Reef
Temporal-dynamic modelling of different management scenarios for the protected area
Analysis of the effectiveness of potential measures on selected key species
Processing and incorporation of available time series data into the modelling approach
Participation in and support for the organisation of project meetings
Presentation of results at conferences
Publication in scientific journals

Requirements

Master’s or diploma degree in biology, ecology or a related field
Experience in the application of food web analysis methods (e.g. Ecological Network Analysis, Ecopath with Ecosim)
Experience in working with large data sets
Ability to develop and implement interdisciplinary research questions
Very good communication skills
Due to the national orientation of the project and the direct contact with representatives of authorities and agencies, knowledge of the German language is desirable

Further Information Please contact Dr. Sabine Horn (sabine.horn@awi.de, +49(4651)956-4218)for further information.

This position is pending of final approval of funding limited to February 28th, 2026. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Sylt.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
Health promotion and company fitness with qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of female employees and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply.

AWI offers the possibility of mobile working to the extent of up to 50% of regular working hours. Disabled applicants will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application by July 31^st 2023, exclusively online.
Reference number: 23/115/D/Bio-b APPLY NOW!

2 – PhD Position “Palaeoviromes: Host–Virus Interactions in Polar Regions from Ancient Sedimentary RNA/DNA” (m/f/d)

Background
Viruses are an essential part of all ecosystems. However, our understanding of past virus dynamics and host–virus interactions is limited. Utilizing ancient DNA/RNA from lake sediments could contribute to a more holistic view of past ecosystem changes. The aim of this PhD project is to establish laboratory and bioinformatics protocols for the extraction and identification of RNA/DNA viruses.

The envisioned protocols should be capable of identifying host–virus interactions within terrestrial polar ecosystems. Target systems include bacteriophage interaction with soil nutrient cycling, Antarctic bird-virome dynamics, and full-ecosystem-level virome changes in response to millennial-scale warming.

Tasks

Establish laboratory and bioinformatics routines for sedimentary ancient RNA extraction and virus identification
Analyse a shotgun dataset to identify changes in hosts and viruses in polar (Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems over the last 30,000 years
Potentially, conduct fieldwork in polar regions

Requirements

Master’s or equivalent degree in biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, or a related discipline
Knowledge of molecular genetics and bioinformatics, preferably with laboratory experience in molecular genetics (RNA/DNA extraction, PCR, and library preparation for NGS sequencing)
Knowledge in data handling using R (or another syntax-based language)
Highly motivated to publish results in international journals and present at international conferences
Interest in conducting field work in polar regions
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment

Further Information Please contact Prof. Dr. Ulrike Herzschuh (Ulrike.Herzschuh@awi.de; +49 ( 0) 331 58174-5601) or Dr. Simeon Lisovski (Simeon.Lisovski@awi.de; +49(331)58174-5635) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Potsdam.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts with people from all over the world
flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular working hours
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^thof September 2023.
Reference number: 23/143/D/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

3 – PhD Project “SnowImpact: Understanding Arctic Snow–Permafrost Interactions (West Greenland & NWT, Canada)” (m/f/d)Background
This project’s objective is to study the interactions between snow cover, permafrost, and groundwater hydrology in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic. Specifically, it aims to deepen our understanding of how snow affects the destabilization of legacy industrial sites and the release of contaminants resulting from thawing permafrost. The project has three main goals:

To understand the conditions in which snowpack compromises permafrost stability at contaminated sites
To study how snowmelt mobilizes contaminants through groundwater flow
To enhance risk assessment and develop technical solutions to stabilize legacy industrial sites on permafrost

Tasks

Comprehensively measure the physical properties of snow and survey snow through remote sensing at Drilling Mud Sump Sites during winter and snowmelt
Assess the impact of snow cover on the thermal regime and hydrology of permafrost
Apply geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to study the physical state of contaminated sites and trace the release of contaminates
Conduct model experiments using the CryoGrid permafrost model to simulate the thermal and hydrological impact of different snow cover types

Requirements

Master’s or an equivalent degree in physics, earth sciences, geophysics, physical geography, or geoecology
Experience applying geophysical methods to snow or permafrost or a remote sensing or numerical modelling background is highly desirable
Strong background in programming, statistics, and data analysis
Multi-week Arctic field campaigns under harsh environmental conditions; prior experience with expedition-based field research and permafrost landscape dynamics is an asset
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Julia Boike (Julia.Boike@awi.de; +49(331)58174-5454) and Moritz Langer (moritz.langer@awi.de; +49 176 20106875) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Potsdam.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts with people from all over the world
flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular working hours
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place on 12^th and 13^th of September 2023.
Reference number: 23/142/D/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

4 – PhD Position “GREEN HYGEINE: Optimization of alginate extraction for sanitary products from kelp” (m/f/d)Background
Every day, 17 million hygiene products are used in German-speaking countries alone. The majority end up in landfills as plastic waste, and they are the 5th most common items found on European seashores (European Commission). Therefore, biodegradable and reusable alternatives to disposable sanitary products are needed to significantly reduce marine litter. Vyld has developed the world’s first tampon made from seaweed, Kelpon. However, Kelpon production is limited to natural kelp stocks or farms.

The extraction process for Kelpon production also needs to be more sustainable, and the kelp-based fibres need to be optimized. In collaboration with Vyld, this project aims to optimize a method for using reforested kelp for the production of sustainable, fair, and biodegradable sanitary products.

Tasks

Development of an extraction method for raw materials from reforested and beach wrack kelp
Method development for qualitative and quantitative analysis of kelp-extracts
Method development for gaining kelp extracts of constant quality and consistent extract properties
Scale-up of extraction process up to pilot scale

Requirements

Master of Science (M. Sc.) degree in Marine Biology, Marine Chemistry, Botany, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Ecophysiology, or a related field
A strong interest in scientific research and a willingness to explore new methods and ideas
The ability to work independently
Willingness to travel to Helgoland to collect kelp in the field
Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written in order to communicate effectively in an international working environment

Further Information Please contact Laurie Hofmann (0471 4831 2739; laurie.c.hofmann@awi.de) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.
Reference number: 23/141/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

5 – PhD Position “Changing Carbon Fluxes of Large Temperate and Arctic River-Sea Systems” (m/f/d)Background
The intensification of climate change is altering the annual mass fluxes of rivers that discharge into coastal seas. However, these fluxes and their fate in the ocean are poorly quantified and understood. Frequent observations are essential to fully assess the seasonal variability of such fluxes as well as the hydrograph and fluvial biogeochemistry.

Advancement in remote sensing techniques has enabled more frequent observations of water and matter fluxes, particularly in remote Arctic rivers that are challenging to monitor in situ. NASA’s SWOT will be the first satellite to provide high-resolution global surface water level data. This project will employ satellite observations of discharge and river concentration DOC, POC, and sediment. These remote sensing techniques offer a new, distinctive, and globally available method to obtain land-ocean fluxes.

Tasks

Process and extract Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-2 timeseries
Test and improve particulate and dissolved organic carbon concentration retrievals for optical remote sensing
Estimate carbon fluxes of the Elbe and Mackenzie rivers into the respective coastal zones, including through field work in both regions
Support numerical model experiments and integrate those outputs with satellite and in-situ observations to assess carbon dynamics in the coastal North Sea and in the Beaufort Sea

Requirements

Master’s or equivalent degree in remote sensing, oceanography, or a related discipline
Experience with optical remote sensing imagery (e.g., Sentinel-2, 3) or altimetry
Good programming skills in handling data (preferably Python)
The ability to participate in multi-week field campaigns in the Arctic under harsh environmental conditions
Motivation and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Dr. Bennet Juhls (+49(331)58174-5443; bennet.juhls@awi.de) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Potsdam.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts with people from all over the world
flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular working hours
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.
Reference number: 23/140/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

6 – PhD Position “The Tropical Tropopause Layer above the Tropical West Pacific” (m/f/d)Background
The objective of this project is to investigate the Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL) above the Tropical West Pacific (TWP) and its significance as a pathway into the global stratosphere, which influences polar ozone chemistry and climate change.

The project aims to characterize the composition and dynamics of the TTL through observations at the Palau Atmospheric Observatory (PAO) since 2016. Additionally, it seeks to examine the impact of sub-seasonal, seasonal, and interannual variations, including the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles, on the TTL using time series analysis and trajectory calculations.

Tasks

Participate in a measurement campaign in Palau
Conduct time series analysis of measured datasets using state-of-the-art statistical methods
Model the trajectories of air masses observed in the Tropical West Pacific (TWP) to determine their origin and pathways
Analyse the CAMSRA chemical reanalysis dataset

Requirements

Master’s degree in physics, meteorology, atmospheric sciences, or a related field
Willingness to travel, including to Palau for field campaigns
Good computer skills, including basic programming and data evaluation skills
Willingness to publish results in peer-reviewed journals
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Ingo Wohltmann (ingo.wohltmann@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1755) or Katrin Müller (katrin.mueller@awi.de; +49(331)58174-5248) for further information.

Thisposition is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Potsdam.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts with people from all over the world
flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular working hours
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.
Reference number: 23/139/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

7 – PhD Position “Large Scale Changes in Arctic Fresh Water and Upper Ocean circulation (CIAO)” (m/f/d)Background
The Arctic is important for global change particularly as sea ice declines and glacial meltwater and river inputs change. However, Arctic observations are still limited, and multiple datasets are required to comprehend the large-scale Arctic Ocean–sea ice–atmosphere system.

By examining various datasets from hydrography, sea surface height, surface winds and runoff, this project is to further our understanding of how ocean circulation and freshwater pathways change. Using output from numerical models will extend the analysis in space and time and help us understand the context of glacial meltwater and other processes at the Arctic boundary. It will also shed light on their potential effects on lower latitudes.

Tasks

Data processing and synthesis, including statistical techniques (e.g., optimal interpolation)
Analysis of observations and model output using oceanographic theory
Combining different data products to obtain ocean velocity
Using output from other research to extend the analysis beyond the Arctic as well as temporally
Presenting the results at conferences and publishing in scientific journals

Requirements

A good Master’s degree or the equivalent in physical oceanography or environmental science
A good understanding of ocean dynamics and observation
Willingness to join oceanographic research expeditions and collaborate with colleagues
Good knowledge of at least one high-level programming language (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
Experience in marine field work and in using reanalysis or model products are assets
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Benjamin Rabe (Benjamin.Rabe@awi.de ; +49(471)4831-2403) and Claudia Wekerle (Claudia.Wekerle@awi.de ; +49(471)4831-1813) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by September 10^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 06^th October 2023.
Reference number: 23/130/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

8 – PhD Position “Oceanography and Ice Shelf/Ocean Interaction in the Weddell Sea” (m/f/d)Background
The project “The Impact of Meltwater on Weddell Sea Ocean Dynamics” aims to study the impact of ice shelf meltwater on oceanographic processes in the southern Weddell Sea. The region is of global significance for water mass formation and home to the large Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf (FRIS).
The project focuses on understanding the contribution and impact of various ice shelves on water mass formation, physical processes, and ocean heat transport toward FRIS. Research questions will be addressed through analyses of state-of-the-art numerical model (FESOM 2) simulations, hydrographic surveys, and oceanographic moorings. Tasks

Analyse results from numerical model simulations
Design and implement sensitivity experiments
Analyse oceanographic time series
Publish results in scientific journals
Optional opportunity to participate in a RV Polarstern expedition to the Antarctic

Requirements

Master of Science (MSc) degree or equivalent in oceanography or a related discipline
Basic knowledge of general ocean circulation and oceanographic processes
Basic programming and data analyses skills
General enthusiasm for polar science and strong teamwork skills
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact contact Dr. Markus Janout (+49 471 4831 1981; markus.janout@awi.de) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.
Reference number: 23/138/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

9 – PhD Position “Impact of Plastic-associated Additives and Heat Waves on Invertebrates” (m/f/d)Background
The ongoing accumulation of plastic waste in the oceans poses a risk to marine life. This project is embedded in the HGF innovation pool project “P-LEACH” and addresses the interaction of plastic-associated additives under the increased frequency of heat waves (HW).

The overarching goal of the project is to identify metabolic and molecular phenotypes associated with the potential effect of combined HW and plastic-associated chemical toxicity in marine and freshwater snails. This will allow us to predict the ecological consequences of such extreme events combined with the plastic pollution for littoral marine and freshwater ecosystems. Tasks

Maintenance and experimental work with aquatic invertebrates
Conducting behavioural studies on snails
Evaluating metabolic responses through biochemical, metabolomic, and molecular analyses
Planning and executing experiments
Publishing scientific papers

Requirements

Master of Science (MSc) degree in biology
Experience with physiological, biochemical or molecular studies in animals
Willingness to perform experiments on live animals
Ability to work effectively in an international team
Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Dr. Gisela Lannig (Gisela.Lannig@awi.de; +49(471)4831-2015) or Dr. Daria Bedulina (Daria.Bedulina@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1312) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^thof September 2023.
Reference number: 23/129/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

10 – PhD Position “Paleo-Ice Sheet Geophysics” (m/f/d)Background
Analysing the behaviour of ice sheets during extreme warm periods in the geological past can help us better understand future projections of climate change. The highly dynamic West Antarctic Ice Sheet in warm Pliocene times is particularly relevant for ice sheet contribution to sea level.

Analyses of geophysical, mainly seismic, and drill core data from offshore West Antarctica will be performed to build a development model of regionally varying glacially-controlled sedimentation. The quantification of these temporal and spatial variations along the Pacific margin of West Antarctica, linked to ice-sheet model simulations, is expected to reveal conditions for regionally varying ice-mass balance effects on sea level changes.

Tasks

Compile and analyse large seismic datasets to generate detailed seismic stratigraphy and sequence characteristics, with a focus on the time of the Pliocene
Integrate physical property and core-log data from scientific drill sites with seismic analysis to invert for ice-sheet dynamics processes
Reconstruct spatially distributed bottom- and deep-water dynamics from seismic data and drill core records
Collaborate with ice-sheet and climate modellers to compare and integrate simulations with data results
Present results at national/international conferences and in peer-reviewed publications

Requirements

Master’s degree in geophysics, physics, geology, or geosciences
Experience in analysing multichannel seismic reflection data
Experience or strong interest in analysing marine sedimentary processes for paleoclimate research objectives
Interest in the scientific exchange with an interdisciplinary group of international scientists
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Prof. Dr. Karsten Gohl (+49(471)4831-1361; karsten.gohl@awi.de) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^thof September 2023.
Reference number: 23/137/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

11 – PhD Position “Antarctic Ice Sheet Reconstruction” (m/f/d)Background
The future behaviour of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is considered to be one of the largest unknowns in global climate predictions. Dramatic and accelerating ice loss has been observed over the past few decades for numerous drainage basins. However, these records only reflect a short period of time with limited informative value when considering the length of a full cycle of ice sheet build-up and retreat.

This emphasizes the strong need for reliable long-term data on ice sheet change in time and space, particularly for the understudied Atlantic and Indian sectors of the East Antarctic margin, which play key roles in supplying the world’s oceans with bottom waters. Tasks

Integrate newly acquired marine geophysical and sediment core data from the East Antarctic margin
Create four-dimensional datasets for validating numerical ice sheet models
Present research results at international conferences and workshops
Publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Participate in polar marine research expeditions

Requirements

Master’s degree in marine geoscience or a related field
Background in sedimentological laboratory work
Experience with handling multibeam bathymetry and sediment echography datasets
Ability to work independently and as part of a stimulating team
Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Dr. Johann P. Klages (0471 4831 1216; Johann.Klages@awi.de) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th September 2023.

Reference number: 23/128/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

12 – PhD Position “Antarctic Sea Ice Variability and Change” (m/f/d)Background
The extent of sea ice in the Antarctic has recently plummeted. However, the underlying causes are unclear, and future developments are uncertain. The goal of this project is to use the latest circum-Antarctic-sea-ice satellite observations, including data on the extent, type, age, drift, and thickness of sea ice, to identify the underlying patterns and causes of these alterations in the Antarctic. Satellite observations are to be complemented by analysis of the main atmospheric and oceanic drivers from the latest reanalyses. Results are to be compared with outputs from state-of-the-art coupled ice–ocean models.

Tasks

Analyse various sea-ice satellite data products
Analyse the co-variability of sea-ice properties with atmospheric and oceanic forcing
Compare the results with the outputs of process and climate models

Requirements

Master of Science (MSc) degree in sea ice geophysics, oceanography, climate science, physics, or a related field
Solid background in atmosphere–ice–ocean interactions
Experience with large, gridded geographical datasets
Good programming skills
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Prof. Dr. Christian Haas (Christian.Haas@awi.de; +49(471)4831-2285) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.

Reference number: 23/136/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

13 – PhD Position “Isolation and structural characterization of metabolites produced by the marine diatom Haslea sp.” (m/f/d)Background
Our understanding of the properties, ecological function, and potential industrial applications of biomolecules is dependent on a full characterization of their structure. Marine microorganisms produced in aquaculture have the potential to produce valuable chemical compounds that can be used as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, or livestock feed. However, the characterization of their biomolecules is often lacking.

The marine diatom Haslea sp. has been used in aquaculture to give oysters an appealing (blue) coloration. Additionally, compounds from extracts from Haslea sp. have shown several promising properties, such as antioxidant, antiproliferative, antiviral, and antibacterial bioactivities. However, the search for the defined molecular structure of the blue pigments and other bioactive metabolites in Haslea sp. has proved difficult and has yielded no conclusive evidence for the chemical structure of these molecules. This PhD project aims to gain a thorough understanding of the structure, properties, biochemistry, and ecology of these compounds by utilizing a range of state-of-the-art methodologies.

Tasks
You will:

Extract and purify metabolites (small molecules and macromolecules) produced by the marine diatom Haslea sp
Optimize the compound extraction, purification, and downstream processing to obtain high-purity metabolites
Structurally characterize pigments, polysaccharides, and bioactive molecules from Haslea sp
Perform structural characterization experiments at world-leading synchrotron facilities
Investigate the physiology, ecology, and potential applications of metabolites produced by Haslea sp

Requirements

Master of Science (MSc.) degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field is required
Previous experience in the production, characterization, or purification of biological metabolites
Advanced skills in the analysis of either nuclear magnetic resonance, static/dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, or high-resolution mass spectrometry data are highly advantageous
You ideally would have previous experience in the analysis of macromolecules
You should show enthusiasm to apply chemical methodology to biological research topics and aquaculture applications
Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written and the ability to work in an international interdisciplinary team

Further Information Please contact Dr. Joachim Henjes (Joachim.Henjes@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1949) and Dr. Jan Tebben (jan.tebben@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1086) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.

Reference number: 23/135/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

14 – PhD Position “Inception and Dissipation of Carbon in the Southern Ocean Marine Reservoir over the Last Glacial-Interglacial Cycle (INDICATOR)” (m/f/d)Background
You will characterize the inception and dissipation carbon reservoirs in the subantarctic Indo-Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean by reconstructing [CO₃^2-] and pH from marine sediment cores through foraminiferal B/Ca and d¹¹B analyses, complemented by ¹⁴C, d¹⁸O and d¹³C data.

The results will provide insights into the vertical, meridional, and zonal structure of CO₂ storage during the last glacial cycle and help differentiate between chemical and physical drivers of Southern Ocean carbon cycle dynamics. The acquired data will also contribute to comparisons with carbon cycle, biogeochemical, and isotope-enabled climate models at AWI to understand CO₂ exchange processes between the atmosphere and the surface to deep ocean. Tasks

Reconstruct [CO₃^2-] and pH from sub-Antarctic Pacific and Indian Ocean sediment cores
Use a foraminiferal multi-proxy approach (B/Ca, d¹¹B, AMS ¹⁴C, d¹³C, d¹⁸O) to acquire data
Compare results to simulations from AWI climate, biogeochemistry, carbon-cycle models
Present the results at international conferences and workshops
Publish the results in peer-reviewed international journals

Requirements

Master’s degree in earth or marine science or a related discipline
Prior experience in isotope or trace-element geochemistry as outlined is an asset
Knowledge of foraminiferal taxonomy, sedimentology and the carbon cycle is desirable
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and with national and international partners
Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Dr. Lester Lembke-Jene (lester.lembke-jene@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1736) or Dr. Gernot Nehrke (gernot.nehrke@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1890) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th September 2023.

Reference number: 23/127/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

15 – PhD Position “Deciphering the Seasonal Dynamics of Arctic Marine Eukaryotic Microbial Communities” (m/f/d)Background
The Arctic marine environment exhibits distinct seasonality, yet the details of the seasonal dynamics of Arctic marine communities remain largely unresolved. The MOSAiC drift experiment presented a unique opportunity to study the annual dynamics of ecosystems in the central Arctic Ocean.

Based on a comprehensive set of metabarcoding and metagenomic data, this PhD project aims to improve our understanding of the seasonal dynamics of Arctic marine microbial communities and their metabolic potential by linking community taxonomic composition to functional traits. A particular focus will be on understanding the taxonomic and functional factors contributing to bloom formation in the ice-margin zone (MIZ). Tasks

Harmonize large datasets from different sources (sequencing data, environmental data) for integrated analyses
Interpret metabarcoding and metagenomic data using multivariate statistics and network analyses
Reconstruct and analyse eukaryotic metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs)
Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present at international scientific conferences

Requirements

Master’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related field
Experience in handling and mining large datasets
Experience in analysing meta-omics datasets
Experience in multivariate statistics, analysis of large datasets, and programming languages (e.g., R or Python)
Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Katja Metfies (+49 471 48312083; Katja.Metfies@awi.de) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.

Reference number: 23/134/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

16 – PhD Position “Zooplankton Biodiversity and Ecology in the Arctic Ocean” (m/f/d)Background
Zooplankton plays a crucial role in pelagic ecosystems, but its dynamics in the central Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas are not yet fully understood. Our project aims to integrate traditional net sampling, in situ imaging using the optical recorder LOKI, and molecular (environmental DNA barcoding) data collected over a period of more than ten years. This comprehensive dataset will be correlated with environmental parameters to identify key drivers of zooplankton dynamics at seasonal and inter-annual scales. This also aims to
improve our understanding of the resilience of Arctic ecosystems to environmental changes in the context of their natural variability. Tasks

Evaluate and harmonize zooplankton and environmental data from databases established at AWI
Perform multivariate statistical and network analyses on zooplankton abundance, biomass, and size data collected during the AWI flagship initiatives FRAM (Frontiers in Arctic Monitoring) and MOSAiC
Relate sequence data generated from eDNA barcoding to zooplankton counts and optical data.
Participate in an Arctic cruise to gather hands-on experience in both traditional and novel optical zooplankton sampling techniques
Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences

Requirements

Master’s degree in marine biology or related field
Excellent knowledge in zooplankton ecology, biodiversity, and biogeography, preferably in the Arctic
Proficiency in analysing large datasets using the programming language R
Good understanding of statistic
Sound knowledge of oceanography and marine biology
Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Barbara Niehoff (+49 471 4831-1371; barbara.niehoff@awi.de) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.

Reference number: 23/133/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

17 – PhD Position “Southern Ocean Carbon Cycle Response to Antarctic Meltwater” (m/f/d)Background
Freshwater input from melting and calving of Antarctic ice shelves is projected to substantially increase. Although the Southern Ocean (SO) circulation is fundamental to the global carbon cycle, its response to this projected additional freshwater is still poorly understood.

A multitude of processes may alter carbon fluxes in the SO, including but not limited to deep water formation on Weddell Sea shelves, potentially with yet-to-be-quantified feedback on the climate system. The SOCCRAM project will use a full climate model as well as an ocean-only setup of the AWI ocean model, FESOM, and couple both models to the biogeochemical model REcoM to study how changes in freshwater forcing around Antarctica will influence air–sea carbon fluxes as well as the transport of carbon from the surface into the deep ocean. Tasks

Perform and analyse model runs with the coupled AWI Earth System Model (AWI-ESM) and a high-resolution set-up of the AWI ocean circulation model (including biogeochemistry, FESOM-REcoM) with added freshwater forcing around Antarctica. These model runs will be performed in conjunction with the SOFIA (Southern Ocean Freshwater release model experiments Initiative) project
Analyse ocean CO₂ uptake from the atmosphere at the surface as well as transport mechanisms between the surface and the deep ocean
Utilize observations gathered on several RV Polarstern expeditions to assess and possibly optimize the model
Participate in working groups both at AWI and in the SOFIA project
Present results at scientific conferences and in scientific publications

Requirements

Master’s degree in oceanography, marine sciences, physics, geosciences, or a related field
Basic knowledge of either physical oceanography, the ocean carbon cycle, geophysical fluid dynamics, or of ocean or atmospheric circulation models
Proficiency in the processing, analysis, and visualization of scientific data
Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively as part of a team
Experience in marine biogeochemical modelling would be advantageous
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Christoph Völker or Judith Hauck (+49 471 4831 1848; christoph.voelker@awi.de or judith.hauck@awi.de) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th September 2023.

Reference number: 23/126/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

18 – PhD Position “Deposition of Microplastics by Snow” (m/f/d)Background
The project aims to quantify the atmospheric deposition of microplastics by snow in the Arctic, identify possible source regions, and compare the results with European areas.

Snow samples will be collected in winter and spring from Svalbard, Norway, Austria, and Switzerland and investigated by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The content and type of minerals present will also be identified to determine potential source regions for the Arctic. Finally, all data will be linked to meteorological data recorded at sampling locations and backtracking trajectories. Tasks

Prepare snow samples of different origins for microplastics analysis
Perform FTIR and Raman analysis of snow samples
Analyse data using advanced multivariate statistics
Publish scientific papers

Requirements

Master of Science (MSc) degree in biology or chemistry
Experience with Raman or FTIR spectroscopy or both
Proven analytical skills
Ability to work in an international team
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Dr. Gunnar Gerdts (Gunnar.Gerdts@awi.de; +49(4725)819-3245) or Dr. Sebastian Primpke (sebastian.primpke@awi.de; +49(4725)819-3255) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Helgoland.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts with people from all over the world
flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular working hours
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.

Reference number: 23/132/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

19 – PhD Position “Impact of Ice Drift on Nutrient and Trace-Metal Distribution, Ocean Productivity and Carbon Export” (m/f/d)Background
The Transpolar Drift carries nutrients, trace metals, and carbon from the Siberian shelves to the central Arctic Ocean. Ice formed above shelf sediments has been found to be the main source of trace elements and nutrients arriving in the Central Arctic via the Transpolar Drift. The bioavailability of these trace metals is poorly understood, and it is unclear how sea-ice derived nutrients and trace metals contribute to ocean productivity and carbon sequestration. The roles of different ice-types are also poorly understood. Warming in the Arctic is predicted to increase ice-melt and freshwater inputs, further stratifying Arctic waters and affecting the upwelling of nutrients and trace metals from below the mixed layer.

The Transpolar Drift and the release of nutrients from ice formed on Siberian shelves are thus even more important for primary productivity and carbon export. This PhD project’s overarching goal is to determine the impact of ice-associated Fe and nutrients on CO₂ fixation by phytoplankton and its export to depth. Due to global warming and Arctic stratification, the importance of melting ice as a potential ‘iron-carrier’ may increase in the future.

To understand how future changes in the climate will alter the influence of ice-associated iron sources, we will perform in-situ measurement of ice transport, phytoplankton productivity, and carbon export and connect this data to phytoplankton ice-incubation studies during the RV Polarstern cruise ArcWatch2, which is scheduled for August–October, 2024. You will also determine the bioavailability of ice associated trace metals; assess the impact of ice-associated nutrient input on phytoplankton productivity and aggregation; and identify the drivers of and main contributors to primary production and carbon export in the Central Arctic. Tasks

Prepare and pack for a research cruise
Perform deployments of sediment traps during the cruise
Plan and execute experiments with marine phytoplankton
Publish the results in scientific journals

Requirements

Master’s or comparable degree in biology, marine biology, marine chemistry, environmental sciences, or natural sciences
Ability to participate in a field expedition to the Central Arctic aboard the RV Polarstern
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Dr. Scarlett Trimborn (Scarlett.Trimborn@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1407) or Dr. Walter Geibert (Walter.Geibert@awi.de; +49(471)4831-2418) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.

Reference number: 23/125/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

20 – PhD Position “Digital Twin of Past Warming” (m/f/d)Background
High-resolution simulations exhibit a completely different structure, including eddies, then coarse-resolution models. This allows us to evaluate how the system has reacted regionally differently under different forcing mechanisms, such as the intrusion of Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) onto the shelf. Small-scale eddies play an important role in preconditioning and re-stratifying the water column before and after mixing events. This affects deep water formation, melt rates, and the regional and large-scale surface ocean and climate.

Tasks
To improve the quality of climate models, high spatial resolution is required around the coasts and ice shelves. This makes traditional ocean-climate models with uniform meshes impractical. Recent developments have considerably improved the computational efficiency and scalability of high-resolution unstructured-mesh approaches on high-performance computing systems.

The application of these methods to the past is a logical next step. This will provide the opportunity to test the climate model under different conditions, such as those that existed in the past. Eddy-resolving (up to 5 km local horizontal resolution) ocean model FESOM coupled to 25 km resolution atmosphere openIFS will provide a significant improvement over previous paleoclimate models. Acceleration methods will be applied to bridge the required time scales for selected periods.

The following activities will be carried out:

Specially designed climate simulations will be performed with the Alfred Wegener Institute climate model
Scientific papers will be written to communicate the results of these simulations
The results of these simulations will be presented at international conferences

Requirements

Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as meteorology, oceanography, climate science, physics or mathematics
Proficiency in programming languages
A solid understanding of climate physics and paleoclimatology
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Prof. Dr. Gerrit Lohmann (Gerrit.Lohmann@awi.de;+49(471)4831-1758-) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.

Reference number: 23/124/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

21 – PhD Position “Constraining the State of the Glacial Carbon Cycle Using Radiocarbon” (m/f/d)Background
The ocean is the largest sink for anthropogenic CO2. However, its variability is poorly understood. Radiocarbon is a powerful tracer of the carbon cycle that can be used to constrain CO2 exchange rates between the atmosphere, surface, and deep ocean under different climate conditions.

This project aims to better understand and quantify these exchange rates during the last glacial period. This will be achieved by compiling and measuring 14C in benthic and planktic foraminifera during periods of strong isotopic disequilibrium. 14C-independent chronologies will be established using 10Be, palaeomagnetism, and climate stratigraphy. The data will be interpreted using carbon cycle models, providing novel insights into glacial carbon fluxes and their variability. Tasks

Compile existing 14C data on the surface and deep ocean
Prepare and measure new 14C samples of benthic and planktic foraminifera
Prepare and measure 10Be/9Be ratios to provide chronological constraints
Interpret the results in a paleoclimatic context and collaborate with carbon cycle modelers
Present the results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Requirements

Master of Science (M. Sc.) or equivalent degree in geosciences or related fields
Strong background in geochemistry and/or paleoclimatology
Demonstrated experience in relevant laboratory techniques (foraminifera, wet-chemistry, geochemical analyses, or similar)
Strong statistics and data analysis skills (R, Python, MATLAB, or similar)
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Florian Adolphi (+49(471)4831-1008; Florian.Adolphi@awi.de) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.

Reference number: 23/123/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

22 – PhD Position “Large-scale Carbon Pump: Identify and Parameterize the Key Processes in the Carbon Pump” (m/f/d)Background
Understanding the dynamics of organic matter flux in the ocean is a crucial objective in oceanography, given its significant influence on carbon storage and Earth’s climate. Sinking particles play a vital role in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and transporting it to the deep ocean. However, due to the complexity of particle transport and respiration processes, coupled with limited observations, there are significant knowledge gaps.

Climate models vary widely in their comprehension of particle formation, export, and turnover processes, leading to low confidence in the biological feedbacks to climate.
The primary objective of this project is to generate new mechanistic insights into key processes that determine carbon export and attenuation. This will be achieved by integrating existing AWI datasets on settling aggregates from different regions and seasons with high-resolution autonomous observations. Our specific objectives are to:

Identify size-specific settling velocities of aggregates formed by specific plankton communities in different locations and seasons.
Identify depth-specific carbon turnover as a function of temperature and aggregate types.
Apply the parameterizations obtained from objectives 1 and 2 to large-scale datasets from BGC-Argos and in situ camera profiles (UVP, ROSINA, etc.) to assess regional and seasonal carbon storage.

Tasks

Compile datasets from ship cruises
Perform statistical clustering analyses on large datasets
Quantify in situ vertical carbon turnover
Compile and analyse large BGC-Argo datasets
Compile and analyse datasets collected by in situ camera systems
Perform statistical analyses and conduct long-term in situ observations and process studies
Parameterize aggregate parameters as a function of plankton community composition
Publish scientific papers

Requirements

Master of Science (MSc) in natural sciences with a strong understanding of ecology
Proficiency in statistical and software tools for handling large datasets, such as R, MATLAB, Python
Interest in working with large datasets and performing statistical analyses
Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Prof. Dr. Morten Iversen (Morten.Iversen@awi.de; +49 (0)471 4831 1824) for further information.

Thisposition is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.

Reference number: 23/131/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

23 – PhD Position “Frequency and Intensity of Melt Events in Greenland” (m/f/d)Background
In-situ measurements, weather stations, and satellites have all registered frequent, intense surface melt events on the Greenland ice sheet. Greenland has also been a major source of mass-related sea level rise in the past, owing to a strong reduction of its surface mass balance by increased summer melt production.

This PhD project will use available firn and ice cores from central-north Greenland to reconstruct the occurrence, frequency, and intensity of melt events in pre-industrial times, compare them to modern measurements, and identify their driving mechanisms as well as their past and future impacts on surface mass balance. Tasks

Revisit firn and ice cores, available firn density data, and linescan and X-ray images of core sections to derive observed melt in ice cores
Synchronize observed melt with satellite and weather station data in order to derive the temporal occurrence and uncertainty
Utilize statistical methods to evaluate the spatial-temporal occurrence of melt events in different time periods
Derive the atmospheric forcing and preconditioning of melt events using available common-era observations from weather stations, reanalysis data, and regional climate models
Investigate the link between Greenland-wide melt events and ice-sheet mass loss using regional climate models with GRACE/GRACE-FO satellite observations of mass change

Requirements

Master’s degree in geoscience, physics, climate science or a related field
Experience with ice cores or other climate archives preferred
Experience with the programming languages Python or R
Experience with reanalysis or model data preferred
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Maria Hörhold (Tel: 0471-4831-2135; maria.hoerhold@awi.de. for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The AWI aims to increase the number of employees who are women, and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family in various ways and has received a number of awards as a result of this engagement. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.

Reference number: 23/122/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

24 – PhD Position “Greenland Ice Cores as Proxy for European Extremes” (m/f/d)Background
Using high-resolution Greenland ice cores and related proxies from mid-latitudes (such as oxygen isotopes in tree rings, lake sediments, and corals), as well as (paleo)reanalysis data, observations, and future projections based on model runs specially designed to include freshwater hosing to simulate potential strong melt events in Greenland, this PhD project aims to investigate the teleconnections between Greenland ice cores and mid-latitude weather extremes.

It also aims to explore how the relationship between Greenland’s climate and extreme weather events over Europe is evolving. The project will establish a long-term perspective on recent changes in Greenland’s climate and associated extremes over Europe.
Main goals:

Analysing Greenland–Europe teleconnection patterns as captured by various proxy data such as ice cores, tree rings, lake sediment, and corals
Identifying large-scale extreme climate anomaly patterns associated with interannual to multidecadal ice core variability
Investigating the implications of widespread melting in Greenland on extreme events in Europe and potential changes, both present and future, in large-scale atmospheric circulation

Tasks

Collecting and analysing all available proxy records such as ice cores, tree rings, lake sediments, and corals from Greenland and mid-latitudes
Analysing specially designed climate simulations performed using the Alfred Wegener Institute climate model, AWI-CM
Writing scientific papers
Presenting results at international conferences

Requirements

Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field such as meteorology, oceanography, climate science, physics, or mathematics
Demonstrated programming skills
a solid understanding of climate physics and paleoclimatology
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information Please contact Dr. Monica Ionita (Monica.Ionita@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1845) for further information.

This position is limited to 3 years. 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 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. The AWI is characterised 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 contacts 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 qualitrain
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
Occupational pension provision (VBL)
Jobticket

We look forward to your application! Please submit your application by October 26^th 2023, exclusively online.Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by August 14^th, 2023. Electronic applications only.
Interviews will take place between 04^th and 08^th of September 2023.
Reference number: 23/121/G/INSPIRES-b APPLY NOW!

24 PhD Full Funded Positions in Marine Biology, Marine Chemistry, Botany, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Ecophysiology or a related field at Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre in Germany

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