Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research (IOW), Warnemünde

Job posting (CHE-09/2025)

The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) has a temporary vacancy starting as soon as possible for a

for a period of 36 months.

Remuneration is paid in accordance with the Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder (TV-L, Public Sector Collective Agreement on Länder)

salary scale at level 13 (EG 13, 75%, 30 h/week)

Who are we?

The IOW is an independent research institute of the Leibniz Association for which equal opportunities, family friendliness and work-life balance are very important. Our research focus is on the coastal and marginal seas, especially the Baltic Sea. The staff of the five departments Physical Oceanography, Marine Chemistry, Biological Oceanography, Marine Geology and Marine Observations work interdisciplinary within a joint research program.

The doctoral thesis will be based in the working groups Organic Trace Substances (Organic Trace Substances) and Biogeochemistry of Environmentally Relevant Gases (Research O. Schmale) in the Marine Chemistry Department.

About the project "MPn-Baltic Sea"

The doctoral position is embedded in the DFG-funded project "Occurrence and distribution of methylphosphonate (MPn) and its contribution to oxic methane formation in the Baltic Sea” (MPn-Baltic Sea). This project aims to improve our understanding of the potential contribution of the organophosphonate compound MPn as a substrate for the oxic microbiological formation of the greenhouse gas methane in the Baltic Sea. It aims to provide further insights into the spatial distribution and temporal variability of MPn occurrence in the Baltic Sea, the function of MPn as substrate for microbial methane-forming C-P lyase cleavage, and the production of oxic methane in the field.

What will be your tasks?

As part of your doctoral thesis, you will conduct chemical-instrumental analyses of MPn and methane using LC-MSMS and GC-FID, as well as methodological adjustments for the analysis of stable carbon isotopes in methane using the Picarro system. You will collect quantitative data for MPn in water samples from the Baltic Sea and the Warnow Estuary in order to investigate its spatial and seasonal distribution. Using incubation experiments with ¹³C-labeled MPn, you will quantify the contribution of oxic microbial degradation of MPn to methane. You will conduct the incubation studies both in the laboratory and during a Baltic Sea expedition in summer 2026 (duration of about 2 weeks), in which you will participate.

You will familiarize yourself with the relevant scientific literature, perform data analyses, present your research results at conferences, and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.

What do we expect from you?

You have a good to very good master's degree in chemistry, chemical oceanography, environmental sciences, or a related field. You are a team-oriented, loyal person with communication and conflict competence and are interested in interdisciplinary collaboration. We require your willingness to organize and participate in the planned Baltic Sea expedition as well as other fieldwork for sampling. We expect very good written and spoken English skills.

Ideally, you have knowledge of the biogeochemistry of trace gases such as methane and have embedded this understanding in an oceanographic and biological context. You have a basic understanding of instrumental analysis and, ideally, initial work experience in this field. You already have experience in conducting incubation experiments. You are interested in the development of analytical methods and have basic knowledge of data analysis and statistics.

What does the IOW offer?

• A workplace with very good infrastructure right on the Baltic Sea coast
• Support to develop your professional skills
• Optimal working conditions for employees with family responsibilities
• Flexible working arrangements and the option of working from home or remotely
• A café and free parking
• Company health measures, a pension plan (VBL) as well as an annual bonus
• 30 days of vacation per year, time off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

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 Diversity 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 equality equal status in your letter of application and enclose a copy of the relevant certificates.

How to apply?

Please send us your application documents, including

• cover letter outlining your relevant activities and experiences
• your CV
• copies of your transcripts
• any certificate or reverences

Please provide us with two references that we can contact if necessary.

We look forward to receiving your application, quoting the

keyword: CHE-09/2025

Human Resources Department

Unfortunately, we cannot cover your application and travel costs.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Marion Kanwischer (marion.kanwischer(at)io-warnemuende.de)