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

For Department of Community and Ecosystem Ecology at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin-Friedrichshagen we are inviting applications for the position of a tenure track group leader with expertise in experimental freshwater ecology.

The department conducts research aimed at understanding the response of freshwater communities and ecosystems to global change, partly based on a long-term monitoring program maintained in a shallow river-connected lake. We look forward to recruiting a creative and dedicated experimental ecologist with expertise in analyzing the impacts of global change on freshwater ecosystem functioning, community composition, food-web structure and biodiversity. Experiments investigating how benthic or planktonic primary producers and invertebrates interact with each other and respond to multiple stressors are of particular interest. The successful candidate is expected to combine experiments and field observations to allow upscaling of experimental results to the ecosystem level. The announced position should strengthen research to understand the structure and functioning of inland water ecosystems as a basis for their sustainable management.

This position is part of IGB’s strategic development to improve understanding of the structure and functioning of freshwater systems, to understand future distribution and abundance of organisms, and to use mechanistic insights to optimize the management and conservation of freshwater ecosystems.

Your tasks

• Develop and lead an independent research group that tests ecological concepts through laboratory and field experiments.
• Study how planktonic and benthic primary producers and invertebrates interact and respond to multiple stressors, as well as their impact on lake ecosystem function.
• Participate in and further develop the long-term research and monitoring of Lake Müggelsee.
• Creatively integrate into the research of IGB, especially with groups working on plankton and benthos ecology, but also modelling, ecophysiology, genomics and evolution.
• Proactively use the regional research infrastructure, such as small-scale incubators, mid-sized mesocosms and large artificial stream and pond systems or IGB’s LakeLab.
• Interact with stakeholders.

Your profile

• Doctoral degree in biology or ecology, aquatic or environmental sciences, or related fields.
• Strong expertise in experimentally testing the impacts of global change on freshwater ecosystem functioning, community composition or food-web structure with a focus on benthic or planktonic primary producers and/or invertebrates.
• Strong knowledge in aquatic community ecology.
• Experience in experimental design and modern statistical approaches.
• Experience in the taxonomy of at least one group of freshwater primary producers or invertebrates, their genomics and/or ecophysiology would be a plus.
• Strong publication and funding acquisition track record commensurate with career stage.
• Experience of research supervision commensurate with career stage.
• Excellent English language skills for both oral and written. communication; learning German for stakeholder interactions is expected.
• Enthusiasm to collaborate in a team of aquatic scientists from diverse backgrounds.

Our offer

We offer an interesting position with a long-term perspective according to IGB’s tenure-track guidelines (tenure can be given after 2 x 3 year periods) in an international and dynamic scientific environment. We have flat hierarchies, encourage active participation and provide a high degree of individual freedom, allowing scientists to develop their creativity to the best of their abilities.

The position is full time. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund E14). We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life. The IGB strives to reach gender equality through several supportive measures, some of which are especially targeted to female tenure track and tenured researchers.

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. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applications from women are particularly welcome. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file, including a motivation letter, complete CV, a statement on your vision for research (including links to other IGB research groups; max 3 pages) and on how to foster diversity and gender equality in your team (1 page max), publication list, copies of relevant degrees and contact details of three references by March 15 2026. Please apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs, stating the job reference number 32/2025. Any questions can be directed to Sabine Hilt (Sabine.Hilt(at)igb-berlin.de) or Jan Köhler (jan.koehler(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 .