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 Biological Oceanography research unit investigates how marine plankton responds to environmental changes in the ocean and what effects this has on ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles, particularly the uptake and storage of carbon dioxide in the sea. Methods used include the analysis of dissolved organic substances, microbiological rate measurements, incubation experiments, controlled laboratory cultures, and field studies in various marine regions.

The Research Unit Biological Oceanography within Research Division 2, Marine Biogeochemistry, offers a position as a

starting on September 1st, 2025.

Job Description
The successful candidate will investigate processes of biological and microbial carbon pumps in the ocean. He:She will carry out scientific studies on the production and microbial degradation of organic substances. In addition, the successful candidate will develop new approaches for the determination of particle export (e.g. with sediment traps) and particle modification with the help of biomarkers. The successful applicant will also participate in the planning, application and management of third-party funded projects and sea-going expeditions as well as in the training of students.

Qualification
Prerequisites for a successful application include a doctoral degree in biological oceanography or a related field, as well as solid expertise in the marine carbon cycle and particle export. Strong knowledge of marine bacteria and phytoplankton is expected; in-depth understanding of the turnover of organic material (sugars, amino acids, lipids) is advantageous. Experience in open-sea marine research and willingness and ability to participate in multi-week expeditions are required. Experience in leading ship expeditions is also beneficial.
The applicant should demonstrate an excellent publication record and the ability to secure independent third-party funding. Very good spoken and written English skills are required.
The successful candidate will conduct measurements of particle export using sediment traps. So experiences with drifting or moored traps to determine carbon fluxes is desirable.

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 limited available for 3 years.

The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class E14 TVöD-Bund of the German tariff for public employees. This is a full-time position. The position cannot be split.

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 and comprehensive application documents (motivation letter, certificates, CV, publication list, two reference letters) not later than July 25th, 2025 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 Prof. Dr. Anja Engel (aengel(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 " Scientist-HH ”.

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.

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.