PhD position in Food Web Models: development of Plankton Sub-units in Food Web Models of the North Sea (m/f/d)

Background

Embedded within the framework of the AWI Coastal Ecology Section and AWI Shelf Sea Ecology Section, we seek a dynamic Ph.D. student for development of new Plankton Food Web Models using ENA and related-techniques and based on knowledge from the Long-Term Plankton Time Series, Helgoland and Sylt Roads. You should have experience in assessing ecosystems mathematically and enjoy developing mathematical solutions for complex systems. We are looking for a team-oriented and ambitious young scientist (m/f/d) who is interested in the consequences of climate and environmental coastal ecosystem change.

Tasks

·        Development of planktonic foodweb network models related to ENA, in connection to the ecological long-term data of the North Sea

·        Link those Foodweb models with spatially explicit ocean models such as FESOM-C

·        Develop advanced methods to integrate experimental data into these models

·        Actively work towards a better integration and understanding between modelling and experimental work

Requirements

·        Master’s Degree and work experience in the mathematical/ bio/geo sciences and the ability to independently develop and pursue interdisciplinary research

·        Proven ability in R, Python, statistical methods, and modeling for interpretation of data elucidating changes in ecosystem dynamics and function

·        Fluency in English, with German as an asset

Further Information

For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with contact Dr. Cedric Meunier (Cedric.Meunier@ awi.de; +49(4725)819-3143), Dr. Sabine Horn (Sabine .[email protected]; +49(4651)956-4218) and the coordinators, Prof. Dr. Maarten Boersma ([email protected]; +49 4725 8193350) and Dr. Inga Kirstein ([email protected]; +49(4725)819-3153)

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 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 characterized by

·        our scientific success – excellent research

·        collaboration and cooperation – intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary

·        opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions

·        an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world

·        flexible working hours 

·        health promotion and company fitness

·        support services and a culture of reconciling work and family

·        occupational pension provision (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, 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. Our Family Office will be happy to support you – even before you start at AWI.

We look forward to your application!

Please submit your application by September 26^th 2024, exclusively online.

Reference number: 24/99/G/Bio-b