Research Scientist in the field of molecular zooplankton biodiversity (f/d/x/m)

Area of research:Scientific support staff

Job description:Research Scientist in the field of molecular zooplankton biodiversity (f/d/x/m)BackgroundThe joint project ZooM-In contributes to the further development and standardisation of modern survey methods in marine biodiversity monitoring and is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) within the initiative ‘Sustainable biodiversity monitoring’ by the National Biodiversity Monitoring Center.

ZooM-In aims to establish guidelines for a standardised application of the new molecular and imaging methods in zooplankton monitoring, based on the validation of four different methodological approaches during a monitoring campaign. This will be carried out in close coordination and communication with federal and state authorities to ensure and consolidate the compatibility and integration of the further developed methods into existing monitoring structures.

You will work on this project in close cooperation with the German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research (DZMB, Senckenberg) and will focus on the molecular genetic work.
Your Tasks

• Assessment of zooplankton biodiversity using molecular genetic methods
• DNA metabarcoding analyses of bulk zooplankton and environmental DNA samples, including laboratory work, data processing, and biodiversity analyses
• Sample archiving and provision of data, scripts, and results in accordance with the FAIR principles
• Cross-validation of zooplankton biodiversity assessment by molecular genetics, traditional microscopy, and imaging methods in collaboration with DZMB
• Contribution to and support for project management led by DZMB Senckenberg
• Organisation of and participation in monthly expeditions (March-October 2027, 3-4 days per month) to the North Sea. This task involves taking samples and preserving zooplankton and environmental DNA samples
• Organisation of project workshops
• Communication of project results to stakeholders
• Publication of project results in peer-reviewed journals
• Writing of a project report

Your Profile

• Master's degree or PhD in marine biology, natural sciences or related disciplines
• Expertise in the application of DNA metabarcoding of zooplankton and/or environmental DNA
• Experience in data analyses, preferably using R
• Experience with sea-going expeditions on research vessels and sampling of zooplankton and eDNA; resilience to motion sickness
• Willingness to participate in inter- and transdisciplinary work
• Very good communication skills, ability to work in a highly collaborative, trans- and interdisciplinary as well as international environment
• Very good command of English and German (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1)

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Taxonomic understanding of marine fauna with a focus on the North Sea
• Experience in transdisciplinary research and stakeholder dialogue

Further InformationWe offerWe offer

• Excellent research environment with access to globally unique infrastructure, comprehensive datasets, and international expeditions
• Opportunity to develop and pursue independent scientific ideas and innovative research approaches addressing societally relevant questions
• Close scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation within the institute as well as with national and international partners
• An international working environment with daily interaction with colleagues from around the world
• Opportunities for professional and personal development
• Flexible working hours
• 30 days of annual leave (full-time), plus additional days off on 24 and 31 December
• Annual special payment in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TVöD Bund)
• Occupational health promotion and company fitness programme with Hansefit
• Support services and an established culture promoting work–life balance, e.g. through our family office offering childcare services (e.g. holiday programmes) as well as advice on family and care responsibilities
• Occupational pension scheme (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, 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 as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.
This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.