Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research (IOW), Warnemünde

The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) is an independent marine research institute of the Leibniz Association, which is committed to equal opportunities, family friendliness and the compatibility of work and family life. Our research focuses on the coastal and marginal seas, in particular the Baltic Sea. The staff of the five departments Physical Oceanography, Marine Chemistry, Biological Oceanography, Marine Geosciences and Marine Observations work on an interdisciplinary basis in a joint research program.

The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde has a temporary position available, starting 01.09.2026, for a

Doctoral position (PhD) in the spatial distribution of seagrass

in the Marine Geoscience department for 3 years (until 31.08.2029) and a percentage of 75% (30h/week), subject to secured financing. Remuneration will be provided in accordance with the Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder (TV-L, Federal States Public Sector Collective Agreement) salary scale at level 13.

What will your role involve? / What will your duties include?

This position is embedded in two complementary projects.

The SEAGUARD project (Seagrass Growth and Adaptation Using AI Research & Development) focuses on assessing the CO₂ storage potential of seagrass meadows and identifying climate-resilient restoration sites in the Baltic Sea. The EU TRANSEATION project focuses on the evaluation of nature-based solutions such as seagrass restoration.

The position focuses on spatial analyses of seagrass distribution and its controlling factors in the German Baltic Sea, starting with the West Rügen Boddens, and on the evaluation of current measures to enable seagrass reestablishment and spread as one nature-based solution for biodiversity enhancement and water quality improvement. The research will analyse results from a coupled hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model, adapted to the eastern German Baltic Sea, and compare it to existing monitoring data on seagrass distribution and water quality parameters, to investigate driver of changes in seagrass coverage.

Your tasks will include:

• Compilation and analysis of existing monitoring data on seagrass occurrence and coverage, density and composition today and in the past along the German Baltic Sea coast, starting with the West Rügen Boddens
• Analysis of existing monitoring and ecosystem model data on water quality parameters affecting seagrass distribution
• Hydrodynamic model-based assessments of the drivers of changes in seagrass locations and losses, such as extreme events
• Spatial analysis of areas where seagrass should be able to growth under present and future conditions (including different nutrient and climate scenarios) and site selection for reintroduction
• Analysis and evaluation of suitable measures to enable seagrass reestablishment/spread, taking into account policy framework conditions and nature protection demands (EU WFD, EU MSFD, and EU Nature Restoration Law) as well as stakeholder interests

What do we expect from you?

You have a researcher personality, and your desire to understand our environment is driven by scientific curiosity. Applicants must have a university degree (master/diploma with at least a good degree) in coastal or marine environmental sciences or a related discipline. Evidence of very good English language skills is required as well as good German language skills (at least level B2); skills in another Baltic Sea language and/or Mediterranean language are of advantage. The ability to work scientifically independently in an interdisciplinary team and the willingness to carry out science related to the novel IOW research programme 2024-2033 are mandatory. In particular, you will work with Research Area 2.2.4.

Important selection criteria are:

• Good knowledge of European marine ecosystems as well as European coastal and marine policies (especially EU-MSFD, EU-WFD and EU Nature Restoration Law)
• Experience in numerical model data extraction with Python and data analysis in R as well as experience in spatial data analysis with geo-information systems (GIS)
• Good knowledge of seagrass, the factors controlling its spatial distribution and other constraints for restoration
• The ability to work scientifically independently in an interdisciplinary team as well as experience with transdisciplinary research (e.g. experience in eliciting stakeholder interests)

What does the IOW offer?

The IOW offers you a diverse workplace right on the Baltic Sea coast, with flexible working arrangements, e.g. the possibility of working from home or remotely, company health measures, an annual bonus, a pension plan (VBL), 30 days of vacation per year, time off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and opportunities for language training in English and German. A very good infrastructure with modern laboratory and office equipment, including our own research vessel, provide the framework for the best working conditions.

How do we promote equal opportunities?

Our job offers are aimed at all people regardless of their age, gender, physical abilities, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, or social background. Research benefits from a diverse working environment, which is why we have signed the Charter of Diversity.

The IOW is committed to actively promoting women in fields where they are underrepresented. For this purpose, the institute has developed a plan to promote equality and has repeatedly been awarded the Total E-Quality award for its commitment. You can find an overview of our measures to support equal opportunities and improve the compatibility of work and family life on our website.

Applications from disabled persons with equal professional and personal suitability will be given preference. Please mention the disability or equal status in your letter of application and enclose a copy of the relevant certificates.

Female applicants are given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

How to apply?

Please send us your application documents, including a cover letter outlining your relevant activities and experiences, your CV, copies of your transcripts, and any certificates or references.

We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file, quoting the

keyword: Geo 01/2026 until 11.02.2026

by email to: bewerbung.geologie@io-warnemuende.de

or by mail to:

Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde

Human Resources Department

Unfortunately, we cannot cover your application and travel costs.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Miriam von Thenen, miriam.thenen(at)io-warnemuende.de

Dr. René Friedland, rene.friedland(at)io-warnemuende.de