Technical Laboratory Manager (m/f/d)

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is a public-law foundation jointly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany (90%) and the state of Schleswig-Holstein (10%). It is one of the world’s leading institutions in the field of marine research.

Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we make a significant contribution to preserving the function and protecting the ocean for future generations.

GEOMAR is leading the ‘Ocean Centre of Excellence for West Africa’ (Ocean-CofE) project, funded by the Helmholtz Association. The aim is to bring together existing infrastructure and projects at the Cape Verde research site under one umbrella. Through the targeted expansion of scientific and technical infrastructure (including seagoing platforms and a molecular biology laboratory) at the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo (OSCM) and the establishment of funding measures, scientific cooperation with West Africa at GEOMAR is to be sustainably strengthened across all departments. The development of a digital twin and other innovative formats are intended to strengthen the interface between science, politics and society.

The central facility “Ocean Science Centre Mindelo” at GEOMAR is seeking a

Technical Laboratory Manager (m/f/d)

to start as soon as possible, subject to approval.

Your responsibilities:

• Establishment of a molecular biology laboratory at the OSCM, including procurement and commissioning in collaboration with local staff
• Independent execution and quality assurance of sampling and measurements at GEOMAR, at the OSCM in Cape Verde and at sea, with a focus on molecular biological and chemical measurements
• Training OSCM staff in the operation and maintenance of analytical systems used in the laboratory
• Ensuring efficient and safe procedures in the various laboratories at the OSCM in collaboration with on-site staff
• Independent processing and quality control of measurement data
• Procurement of scientific equipment and consumables for the OSCM laboratories
• Support in logistics management and inventory administration for the sites in Kiel and Cape Verde

Your profile:

Required

• Training as a technical assistant (TA) or laboratory technician in the field of biology or chemistry, or an equivalent qualification (e.g. BSc) in a relevant technical or scientific field, such as life sciences, molecular biology or genetics
• In-depth knowledge and experience of molecular biology methods and analysis (including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing)
• Several years’ professional experience in molecular biology laboratory work
• Experience in the technical management of a molecular biology or chemistry laboratory
• Independence and a high degree of reliability in the organisation and execution of measurement operations
• Willingness and ability to undertake business trips lasting several weeks to Cape Verde as well as at sea
• Very good command of spoken and written English

An advantage

• Experience in handling the sampling and analysis of eDNA samples as well as other meta-barcoding methodologies
• Experience with laboratory work in the field of chemical analysis
• Experience in conducting field campaigns, including logistical preparation and follow-up
• Good communication and coordination skills
• Professional experience in an international environment / international team
• Driving licence class B

At a workplace situated directly on the Kiel Fjord, with many leisure and recreational opportunities, we offer you:

• Excellent conditions for balancing work and private life: we offer, among other things, the option of remote working and flexible working hours, holiday courses for our employees’ children, and good support in finding a nursery place in Kiel
• Support services for professional and personal life situations
• An exciting work environment with the opportunity to provide important impetus for the development of sustainable solutions
• Exciting topics in an international environment
• Work in the field of marine and climate research, a forward-looking sector of social significance
• 30 days’ holiday + additional time off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
• Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits

The position is initially to be filled until 31 December 2030.

The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class E9b (TVöD-Bund) of the German tariff for public employees. The regular weekly working hours correspond to those of a full-time employee. The position can not be split, flexible working time arrangements are generally possible.

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists and explicitly encourages qualified female academics to apply. GEOMAR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages scientists with disabilities to apply. Qualified disabled applicants will receive preference in the application process.

Please submit your complete application documents (including a cover letter, CV and references) not later than 9 June 2026 via our application portal under the following link:

Online application

Once the selection process has been completed, all application documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations.

For further information regarding the advertised position, please contact Dr Björn Fiedler at (bfiedler(at)geomar.de).

We would be happy to answer your questions by email at bewerbung(at)geomar.de, quoting the reference “TA_Ocean-CofE”.

Further information on GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the Helmholtz Association can be found at www.geomar.de or www.helmholtz.de.

GEOMAR is committed to an objective and non-discriminatory personnel selection. Our job advertisements address all people. We expressly renounce the submission of application photos.