Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin

For the Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture of IGB in Berlin-Friedrichshagen at Lake Müggelsee we are inviting applications for a PhD position starting as of 01.03.2026, for a project studying the effect of creatine supplementation on the performance, sustainability and animal welfare of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.

The project is carried out as part of the multidisciplinary project KreAktiv and aims at developing a functional feed for salmonid fishes, documenting the effect of species-appropriate swimming on carbohydrate utilization. The project is funded by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) as part of the innovation funding. The project is being carried out by a project consortium consisting of the Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology in Bremerhaven, the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Berlin (IGB), and the Alzchem Trostberg GmbH.

Your tasks

• Conducting feeding trials on functional feed with juvenile trout (Bremerhaven)
• RT-QPCR analysis of target genes, histology
• Presentation of research results
• Publication of results in international journals
• Close collaboration with other working groups in the project

Your profile

• Completed university degree (university diploma/M.Sc.) in biology, fisheries science or a related field
• Practical laboratory experience with methods of molecular biology and/or in the field of histology
• Experience in animal experimentation is an advantage
• Knowledge of statistical methods for data analysis
• Very good written and spoken English skills
• Willingness to stay in Bremerhaven during the 3-month feeding trial
• Communication skills and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and

Our offer

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment.

We foster flat hierarchies and active participation. We allow maximum individual freedom, enabling everyone to develop and use their creativity to the best of their abilities.

The position is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund) as an 65 % position at E13. It is a fixed-term position, limited to 3 years.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life.

The IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application by 7 January 2026 with the usual documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, 2 references or contact data of two referees in a single file). Please state the job reference number 30/2025 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Sven Würtz, head of the research group "Molecular Fish Physiology”, by phone (+49 30 64181-614) or by e-mail (sven.wuertz(at)igb-berlin.de).

"Research for the future of our freshwaters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unit a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 400 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is part of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. www.igb-berlin.de