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 01.04.2026, for a

Scientist position in coastal water ecology and management

in the Marine Geosciences department until 31.12.2027 with a percentage of 65% (26h/week). 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 partly embedded in the SEAGUARD project (Seagrass Growth and Adaptation Using AI Research & Development), which focuses on assessing the CO₂ storage potential of seagrass meadows and identifying climate-resilient restoration sites in the Baltic Sea. The other relevant project is PrimePrevention with focus on monitoring, modelling and assessment of extreme weather events on marine biology and hazards. Both projects focus spatially on western Baltic Sea coastal waters.

The position focuses on spatial analyses of coastal water ecosystems, long-term temporal developments, short-term changes resulting from extreme weather events, biological hazards, such as toxic algae blooms, as well as management perspectives.

Your tasks will include:

• Compilation and analysis of existing long-term biological, chemical and physical monitoring data of German Baltic Sea coastal waters.
• Compilation and analysis of existing phytoplankton monitoring data with a focus on cyanobacteria and other potentially toxic algae.
• Extraction, utilization and analysis of available ecosystem model (ERGOM) data as well as spatial and temporal comparisons between field and model data.
• Contributions to ecosystem service assessments, marine biological hazards and the role of extreme events on coastal water ecology in coastal waters.
• Analysis and evaluation of management measures supporting policy implementation (EU WFD, EU MSFD, and EU Nature Restoration Law)

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, at least, good English language skills is required. Good German language skills are also required. 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 coastal water ecology and phytoplankton taxonomy
• 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 the compilation and analysis of coastal and marine monitoring data
• 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)
• Scientific writing skills, first publications as well as the ability to work scientifically independently in an interdisciplinary team

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 for the equal opportunities committee at the IOW 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 02/2026 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:

Prof. Dr. Gerald Schernewski gerald.schernewski(at)io-warnemuende.de

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