Scientist (m/f/d) “Productivity and genetic connectivity of Baltic brown algae meadows”

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

Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we contribute significantly to the preservation of the function and protection of the ocean for future generations.

The research unit ‘Experimental Ecology’ investigates how coastal ecosystems respond to climate change. Important model organisms in our research unit are brown macroalgae which form productive and biodiverse ecosystems in temperate coastal regions. In the German exclusive economic zone of the Baltic Sea, the serrated wrack Fucus serratus and the sugar kelp Saccharina latissima form dense meadows at up to 15 m depth. However, recent anthropogenic changes such as eutrophication and ocean warming have drastically reduced the extent of brown algae in the Baltic Sea, potentially resulting in fragmented populations vulnerable to change, but harbouring unique genetic diversity. We combine field surveys, experiments in unique outdoor mesocosm systems (Kiel Outdoor Benthocosms, KOBs), and molecular analyses to provide a comprehensive view of ecosystems under change.

The research unit Experimental Ecology of the research division Marine Ecology is offering a position as a

Scientist (m/f/d)
“Productivity and genetic connectivity of Baltic brown algae meadows”

starting on May 1^st, 2026 or as soon thereafter.

Project Description

The candidate is going to be part of the collaborative project ROVKA (ca. 10 participants) that aims to (i) understand the blue carbon potential of brown algae meadows in the Baltic Sea, to (ii) identify areas of increased need for protection and to (iii) develop standards of monitoring and restoration. To this end, we aim to conduct a mesocosm experiment with near-natural assemblages of F. serratus and S. latissima to quantify carbon fluxes at modified irradiance and temperature conditions over the course of a year. In addition, we aim to identify vulnerable vs. potential donor populations in the German exclusive economic zone of the Baltic Sea for protection and restoration, respectively. We aim to explore the genetic diversity and connectivity within and between shallow and deep populations to assess their vulnerability. Together, these results will provide a baseline for future monitoring activities and allow informed decisions on the protection and restoration of brown algae habitats.

Position

The successful candidate will (i) design and conduct population genetic surveys and analyses for diversity, structure and connectivity of Baltic brown algae populations, and (ii) supervise regular sampling and maintenance of mesocosm and additional laboratory experiments.

Qualification

Essential

• MSc in evolutionary biology, marine biology, or relevant discipline
• Expertise in state-of-the-art molecular biology lab techniques (e.g. nucleic acid isolation, WGS library preparation, RADseq)
• Expertise in population genomic analysis of WGS or RADseq data using bioinformatic and statistical approaches (e.g. Bash and/or Python, R)
• Strong publishing record in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences
• Fluency in English both written and spoken

Preferred

• Doctorate (PhD) in evolutionary biology, marine biology, or relevant discipline
• Experience working with marine macrophytes
• Experience working on biogeochemical cycles
• Experience with planning and conducting field work
• Driver’s license class B or higher

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

• Good conditions for work-life balance: We offer, among other things, the possibility of mobile working and individual working time arrangements, vacation courses for the children of our employees, and good support in finding a place in a daycare center at the Kiel site
• 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 area with social significance
• 30 vacation days + additional time off at Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits

The position is available for a funding period of 2 years. The envisioned start is May 1^st 2026. This is a full-time position with flexible working hours. The position can be split. Part-time employment is generally possible, provided that the position is filled on a full-time basis. The salary will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and may be up to class E13 TVöD Bund of the German tariff for public employees.

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 send your application for this post not later than March 1^st, 2026 under the following link:

Online application

As soon as the selection procedure has finished, all your application data will be removed according to data protection regulation.

For further information regarding the position and research unit please contact Dr. Daniel Liesner (dliesner(at)geomar.de).

We will answer all your questions if you send us an e-mail to bewerbung(at)geomar.de. In doing so, please refer to the keyword “ProConAlg”.

For further information on GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel or the Helmholtz Association, please visit 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.