Job description: PostDoc for Co-Creation of biodiversity monitoring based on environmental DNA (d/m/w)

Background
The manifold human interventions in coastal marine ecosystems, such as shipping, the construction of wind turbines, fishing, nutrient input or tourism, are increasingly leading to conflicts between the users of marine resources and nature conservation objectives. These conflicts have recently been exacerbated by the ambitious expansion targets for offshore wind farms (OWF) associated with the energy transition.

In this societal context, the project ´CREATE-2´ in the sustainMare research mission of the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM) is developing solution-oriented knowledge for better marine protection, resolving conflicts of interest and the efficient marine monitoring necessary to achieve nature conservation goals. In particular, ´CREATE-2´ pursues three objectives:
1) The co-creation and transfer of non-invasive monitoring strategies to monitor the marine environment,
2) The assessment of the biodiversity and connectivity of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the context of multiple uses, and
3) The co-creation of socially acceptable marine conservation measures and MPAs, associated governance structures and marine education measures.

'CREATE-2' addresses these goals through a transdisciplinary approach in which concrete products are co-developed together with relevant stakeholders and transferred to them. This takes place in the context of three real-world laboratories in the North and Baltic Seas.

The advertised position focuses on the co-creation and transfer of non-invasive monitoring strategies for marine fauna monitoring using environmental DNA metabarcoding. The position is based in the Plankton Ecology working group at the HIFMB.

Your Tasks

• Biodiversity analysis of marine fauna using environmental DNA (eDNA) in marine protected areas and offshore wind farms, including (monthly) sampling until 08/2026, laboratory work, and data analysis
• Integration of eDNA methods into existing monitoring programs
• Development and integration of monitoring concepts for marine fauna based on eDNA, including data analysis and preparing reports, fact sheets, etc.
• Sample archiving and maintenance of the environmental DNA bioarchive
• Publication and communication of research results
• Active participation in project meetings and workshops

The position includes tasks ranging from the planning of sampling campaigns (including the preparation of cruise proposals and applications for entry permits to offshore wind farms), to the execution of and participation in research cruises (including participation in training for working in offshore wind farms), water sampling and filtration, laboratory work for molecular genetic analysis, sequence and data analysis, presentation and publication of results, as well as active participation in workshops and conferences.

Your Profile

• PhD in environmental or natural sciences or a related discipline
• Knowledge and experience in the analysis of marine fauna using molecular genetic methods, with a focus on environmental DNA
• Experience and expertise in:
• Planning, organizing, and conducting research cruises and water sampling for eDNA analysis
• Processing eDNA samples (DNA extraction)
• Analysis of sequencing and biodiversity data
• Preparation of reports and scientific publications
• Presentation of research findings

• Ability to work at sea
• Excellent English (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1) and good German language skills (approximately equivalent to CEFR level B1 / B2)
• Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Laboratory experience in the preparation of sequencing libraries
• Experience in writing reports and publications in the field of eDNA research
• Experience in the cataloguing and storage of eDNA samples in bioarchives
• Taxonomic knowledge of marine fauna, especially of the North Sea
• Experience in knowledge transfer and stakeholder engagement

Further Information

The AWI is characterized by

• our scientific success - excellent research
• collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
• opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
• an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
• flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular working hours
• health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
• support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
• occupational pension provision (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, physical abilities, 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 has received several awards as a result of this commitment. 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.